Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1928-06-26

Lower Rio GIande Valley and Florida tomato grow
ers and shippers will regard with considerable sus-
picion the recent decree by the Mexican government
establishing an export duty Of approximately l cent per
pound on tomatoes
A popularity in connection with this tariff decree
Is the fact that il was promulgated almost stimuli
taneously with the opening Of a hearing by the Amer
lean tariff commission TO pass upon the question Of
increasing the tariff rate on tomatoes. Another Pc
culiarity is the fact that the decree was not promul-
gated until the close Of the tomato season in Mexico,
and as a revenue producer the new export duty will
not function until next winter.
Mexican tariffs are promulgated BY the chief ex-
ecutiye, who is empowered BY the constitution TO es-
tablish either import or export duties on such COM
mcdities and in such amounts as he may deem neces-
sary. The chief executive has the authority to with
draw the export duty on tomatoes, or any other com
modify, at any time he may believe it to the best in
terests Of the country and the industry, and there can
be no question that the Mexican vegetable growers will
make strenuous efforts to have the decree rescinded
before the next shipping season opens.
Many American shippers believe that the decree Of
the Mexican government was primarily intended to in
fluenee the action Of the American tariff commission.
During the past two years the winter vegetable grow
ers Of the Lower Rio Grande Valley and Florida have
been insistent in their demands for protection against
the cheap lands and cheaper labor OF Mexico. The
winter vegetable industry is one of the southern re-
rubIc's big sources Of revenue. and American markets
~ PAaCAANdbg ~ tHAC QuAit1 " u AutAiNdn HIodhG-
ton. In view Of these facts it would hardly be con-
sistent for the Mexican government to promulgate an
export tax that would stifle the industry; and it is
hardly logical to presume that the Mexican government
will permit that tax to remain IN effect when the ship
ping season opens.
Whether Mexico's gesture will influence the action
Of the American tariff commission is a question caus-
ing some apprehension among growers and shippers
who are demanding protection for Valley products.
However, as the American tariff commission is fully
cognizant Of the manner in which Mexican import and
expvst rates aaS ~ss~Dsssuvu q tncs 1aC~------A
rates are constantly being changed, the recent decree
viii doubtless be completely ignored by the American
commission. Under the rules Of the commission recon-
mendations for tariff increases are based upon the diff
ference in the cost OF production, and the commission
ers do not take into consideration such transitory ex-
port duties competing countries may impose. II Mexi-
co.'s export duty-o tomatoes was established for that
purpose il doubtless will prove Of no avail.
The Valley and Florida growers want an adequate
tariff, one that will establish a basis upon which the
tomato industry can be ~profitably developed, and the
tariff commission has indicated it will cooperate to
the full extent Of its powers in securing this protec-
tion for the growers.