Tomatoes, ubiquitous in everything from fast-food burgers to haute cuisine, are taking on a new role beyond the plate: A nagging reminder of rising costs.

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Tomatoes become latest symbol of America's affordability squeeze

Tomatoes become latest symbol of America's affordability squeeze

Prices for tomatoes are up 40% over the past year, the biggest increase tracked among products in the Consumer Price Index. Experts say the spike is the result of crop yields and two pillars of President Donald Trump's second term policies. The Iran war has spiked shipping costs. And Trump has slapped tariffs on tomatoes from Mexico, which grows most of America's supply. Outraged consumers are voicing their displeasure online, but the impact is most acute among businesses that rely on tomatoes as a key ingredient. Wayne Humphrey of Snarf's Sandwiches, which which operates dozens of stores in Colorado, Missouri and Texas, says the price hike will cost him $1.7 million this year.

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