Produce Prices Surge Due to Weather, Labor, and Trade

Consumers are experiencing significant price increases for produce, with tomatoes and lettuce showing particularly sharp rises. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, tomato prices increased by approximately 20% between June 2025 and June 2026, while lettuce prices saw a 32% jump during the same period. Overall, prices for all fresh vegetables rose by about 10%, with fresh fruits experiencing smaller hikes, such as a 7% increase for apples and a 6% rise for citrus fruits.

Agricultural economists attribute these price surges to a combination of factors. Extreme weather events, such as unusual freezes in Florida in early 2026 affecting crops like citrus, strawberries, and tomatoes, have reduced yields and driven up costs. Worker shortages and rising labor expenses are also contributing significantly to the increased cost of production. Furthermore, high energy prices and elevated shipping costs are building up throughout the supply chain, impacting the final price consumers pay.

Trade policies also play a role in the fluctuating costs of fruits and vegetables. Imports are crucial for the U.S. food supply, especially during winter and early spring. When adverse weather conditions coincide with changes in trade agreements, produce supply and prices can be particularly volatile. The U.S. Commerce Department's withdrawal in June 2025 from a trade agreement with Mexico, aimed at protecting the domestic tomato industry, serves as a notable example of how trade policy can directly influence specific produce prices.