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Top Import Markets for Tomatoes

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Top Import Markets for Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the most widely consumed vegetables worldwide, and the global trade of this versatile fruit is booming. In this article, we will explore the world’s best import markets for tomatoes, backed by key statistics and data from the IndexBox market intelligence platform.

1. Germany – Leading the Way

Germany takes the top spot as the world’s largest importer of tomatoes with an import value of $1.6 billion in 2022. Known for its strong market demand for high-quality agricultural products, Germany relies heavily on imports to meet its domestic tomato consumption. The country sources tomatoes from various suppliers, including neighboring European countries and non-European nations.

2. United States – A Growing Market

The United States is a close contender, ranking second in terms of tomato imports. In 2022, the country imported tomatoes worth $1.4 billion. This growing market is fueled by the increasing demand for tomatoes in various forms, such as fresh produce, sauces, and processed products. Mexico, Canada, and the Netherlands are among the major tomato suppliers to the United States.

3. France – A Culinary Giant

With a tomato import value of $957.0 million in 2022, France secures the third position on our list. Renowned for its gastronomy and culinary excellence, France relies heavily on imported tomatoes to cater to its diverse culinary needs. Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands are notable tomato suppliers to the French market.

4. United Kingdom – Blooming Tomato Trade

The United Kingdom ranks fourth in terms of tomato imports, with an import value of $688.7 million in 2022. Despite being a major producer of tomatoes, the UK still relies on imports to meet its domestic demand. The country sources tomatoes from various suppliers, including the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, and Morocco.

5. Netherlands – A Hub for Tomato Trade

As one of the leading tomato producers and exporters, the Netherlands is also a significant importer. In 2022, the country imported tomatoes worth $429.0 million. The Dutch tomato market is characterized by its efficiency, technological advancements, and strong export industry. Belgium, Spain, and Germany are among the major tomato suppliers to the Netherlands.

6. Russia – Tomato Imports on the Rise

Russia has shown a significant increase in its tomato imports in recent years, ranking sixth with an import value of $347.3 million in 2022. The country’s growing middle class and changing dietary habits contribute to the rising demand for imported tomatoes. Major tomato suppliers to Russia include Turkey, Belarus, Morocco, and the Netherlands.

7. Poland – Meeting Domestic Demand

Poland holds the seventh position on our list, with a tomato import value of $333.4 million in 2022. As a major agricultural country, Poland relies on imports to supplement its domestic tomato production and meet the growing demand. Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands are key suppliers of tomatoes to Poland.

8. Canada – Reliant on Tomato Imports

Canada is a significant importer of tomatoes, ranking eighth with an import value of $327.2 million in 2022. Despite being a large producer of greenhouse tomatoes, Canada’s domestic production alone is unable to meet the country’s consumption needs. The United States, Mexico, and the Netherlands are major tomato suppliers to the Canadian market.

9. Spain – Balancing Domestic Production and Imports

Spain, known for its extensive tomato cultivation, imports a substantial volume of tomatoes to complement its domestic production. The country’s tomato imports in 2022 were valued at $215.7 million, placing it in the ninth position. Morocco, the Netherlands, and France are significant tomato suppliers to Spain.

10. Italy – A Tomato Lover’s Paradise

Italy, famous for its rich culinary heritage, completes our list with a tomato import value of $200.6 million in 2022. Despite being a major tomato producer, Italy supplements its domestic supply with imports to cater to the varying demands of Italian cuisine. Spain, the Netherlands, and Morocco are key suppliers of tomatoes to Italy.

These top import markets for tomatoes highlight the global demand for this versatile fruit. As consumer preferences continue to evolve and culinary cultures thrive, the import of tomatoes plays a vital role in meeting diverse demands. The data and statistics provided in this article have been sourced from the IndexBox market intelligence platform, a valuable resource for analyzing international trade trends.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform 

exports

Italy Actively Expands Preserved Tomato Production and Exports

IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘Italy – Preserved Tomatoes – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

Italy boosts its production and exports of preserved tomatoes. Over the past decade, the output soared from 1.3M tonnes to 2.1M tonnes. Exports also followed an upward trend, reaching $1.3B in 2020. The UK, Germany and the U.S. comprise 45% of preserved tomatoes supplied from Italy in physical terms, while Australia featured as the fastest-growing importer last year. The average export price for preserved tomatoes increased by +9.1% y-o-y to $853 per tonne in 2020.

Preserved Tomato Production in Italy

Preserved tomato production in Italy rose notably to 2.1M tonnes in 2020, surging by +13% compared with the previous year. Over the past decade, Italian preserved tomato production increased nearly twofold, from 1.3M tonnes to 2.1M tonnes. In value terms, preserved tomato production skyrocketed by +29.3% y-o-y to $1.9B in 2020, estimated at export prices.

Preserved Tomato Exports from Italy

In 2020, approx. 1.5M tonnes of preserved tomatoes were exported from Italy, increasing by +2.7% in 2019. In value terms, preserved tomato exports rose significantly to $1.3B (IndexBox estimates) in 2020.

The UK (302K tonnes), Germany (237K tonnes) and the U.S. (141K tonnes) were the main destinations of preserved tomato exports from Italy, together comprising 45% of the total figure. France, Japan, Australia, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Canada, Poland, Austria and Denmark lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 35%.

In value terms, the largest markets for preserved tomato exported from Italy were the UK ($258M), Germany ($183M) and the U.S. ($127M), with a combined 44% share of total exports. These countries were followed by France, Japan, Australia, the Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, Canada, Austria, Poland and Denmark, which together accounted for a further 36%.

Among the main countries of destination, Australia (+26% y-o-y) saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports last year, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

The average preserved tomato export price stood at $853 per tonne in 2020, increasing by +9.1% against the previous year. Average prices varied somewhat for the major foreign markets. In 2020, the countries with the highest prices were Sweden ($1,026 per tonne) and Austria ($957 per tonne), while the average price for exports to Belgium ($747 per tonne) and Germany ($772 per tonne) were amongst the lowest. In 2020, the most notable growth rate in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Canada, while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

tomatoes

Turkey Emerges as the Largest Producer of Tomatoes in the Middle East

IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘Middle East – Tomatoes – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

The revenue of the tomato market in the Middle East amounted to $18.6B in 2018, declining by -8.5% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price).

The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% from 2007 to 2018; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 25% against the previous year. In that year, the tomato market attained its peak level of $20.3B, and then declined slightly in the following year.

Consumption by Country

The countries with the highest volumes of tomato consumption in 2018 were Turkey (12M tonnes), Iran (6.5M tonnes) and Syrian Arab Republic (658K tonnes), together accounting for 86% of total consumption. Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Iraq lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 7.9%.

From 2007 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of tomato consumption, amongst the main consuming countries, was attained by Jordan, while tomato consumption for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest tomato markets in the Middle East were Turkey ($10.5B), Iran ($5.3B) and Israel ($559M), with a combined 88% share of the total market. These countries were followed by Iraq, Jordan, Syrian Arab Republic and Saudi Arabia, which together accounted for a further 6.4%.

The countries with the highest levels of tomato per capita consumption in 2018 were Turkey (144 kg per person), Iran (79 kg per person) and Jordan (57 kg per person).

Market Forecast to 2030

Driven by increasing demand for tomatoes in the Middle East, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next decade. Market performance is forecast to retain its current trend pattern, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +1.6% for the period from 2018 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market volume to 27M tonnes by the end of 2030.

Production in the Middle East

The tomato production stood at 22.2M tonnes in 2018, remaining constant against the previous year. In general, tomato production continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2009 when production volume increased by 5.3% year-to-year.

In value terms, tomato production stood at $19.8B in 2018 estimated in export prices. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% from 2007 to 2018; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded over the period under review. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 36% y-o-y. In that year, tomato production attained its peak level of $21.5B, and then declined slightly in the following year.

Production by Country

The countries with the highest volumes of tomato production in 2018 were Turkey (12M tonnes) and Iran (6.6M tonnes), with a combined 84% share of total production.

Harvested Area in the Middle East

In 2018, approx. 415K ha of tomatoes were harvested in the Middle East; standing approx. at the previous year. Over the period under review, the tomato harvested area continues to indicate a mild curtailment. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2008 with an increase of 4% y-o-y. In that year, the tomato harvested area reached its peak level of 493K ha. From 2009 to 2018, the growth of the tomato harvested area remained at a lower figure.

Yield in the Middle East

In 2018, the average yield of tomatoes in the Middle East stood at 53 tonne per ha, stabilizing at the previous year. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% from 2007 to 2018; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2009 with an increase of 7.2% year-to-year. The level of tomato yield peaked in 2018 and is likely to continue its growth in the near future.

Exports in the Middle East

In 2018, the exports of tomatoes in the Middle East stood at 782K tonnes, rising by 14% against the previous year. In value terms, tomato exports amounted to $618M (IndexBox estimates) in 2018.

Exports by Country

Turkey (379K tonnes) and Jordan (258K tonnes) represented roughly 81% of total exports of tomatoes in 2018. It was distantly followed by Iran (84K tonnes), committing an 11% share of total exports. Syrian Arab Republic (32K tonnes) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2007 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of exports, amongst the main exporting countries, was attained by Iran, while exports for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the exports figures.

In value terms, Turkey ($339M) remains the largest tomato supplier in the Middle East, comprising 55% of total tomato exports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Jordan ($168M), with a 27% share of total exports. It was followed by Iran, with a 12% share.

In Turkey, tomato exports increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% over the period from 2007-2018. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Jordan (-0.4% per year) and Iran (+33.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The tomato export price in the Middle East stood at $791 per tonne in 2018, leveling off at the previous year.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2018, the country with the highest price was Iran ($913 per tonne), while Syrian Arab Republic ($463 per tonne) was amongst the lowest.

From 2007 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Jordan, while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports in the Middle East

In 2018, the tomato imports in the Middle East totaled 602K tonnes, jumping by 6.9% against the previous year. In value terms, tomato imports amounted to $366M (IndexBox estimates) in 2018.

Imports by Country

Saudi Arabia (155K tonnes) and the United Arab Emirates (143K tonnes) represented roughly 50% of total imports of tomatoes in 2018. Kuwait (68K tonnes) took the next position in the ranking, followed by Iraq (67K tonnes), Qatar (49K tonnes), Oman (32K tonnes), Israel (31K tonnes) and Bahrain (31K tonnes). All these countries together accounted for a 46% share of total imports.

From 2007 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of imports, amongst the main importing countries, was attained by Israel, while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Saudi Arabia ($98M), the United Arab Emirates ($86M) and Kuwait ($49M) constituted the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2018, together accounting for 64% of total imports. Qatar, Iraq, Israel, Oman and Bahrain lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 32%.

In terms of the main importing countries, Oman recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The tomato import price in the Middle East stood at $608 per tonne in 2018, reducing by -13.2% against the previous year.

Prices varied noticeably by the country of destination; the country with the highest price was Israel ($725 per tonne), while Iraq ($369 per tonne) was amongst the lowest.

From 2007 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United Arab Emirates.

Source: IndexBox AI Platform

ketchup

Spain’s Production of Tomato Ketchup and Sauces Grew for the Tenth Consecutive Year, Driven by Expanding Exports

IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘Spain – Tomato Ketchup And Tomato Sauces – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

The revenue of the tomato ketchup market in Spain amounted to $280M in 2018, shrinking by -5.1% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). In general, tomato ketchup consumption, however, continues to indicate a measured setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2009 with an increase of 7.2% y-o-y. Tomato ketchup consumption peaked at $432M in 2011; however, from 2012 to 2018, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Market Forecast 2019-2025 in Spain

Driven by increasing demand for tomato ketchup in Spain, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next seven years. Market performance is forecast to retain its current trend pattern, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +0.4% for the seven-year period from 2018 to 2025, which is projected to bring the market volume to 279K tonnes by the end of 2025.

Production in Spain

In 2018, the production of tomato ketchup and tomato sauces in Spain stood at 334K tonnes, going up by 4.6% against the previous year. Overall, tomato ketchup production continues to indicate mild growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when production volume increased by 6.9% year-to-year. Over the period under review, tomato ketchup production reached its maximum volume in 2018 and is expected to retain its growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, tomato ketchup production totaled $304M in 2018 estimated in export prices. In general, tomato ketchup production continues to indicate a drastic downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2011 when production volume increased by 6.2% year-to-year. In that year, tomato ketchup production attained its peak level of $492M. From 2012 to 2018, tomato ketchup production growth remained at a lower figure.

 

Exports from Spain

In 2018, the tomato ketchup exports from Spain amounted to 88K tonnes, going up by 20% against the previous year. Overall, the total exports indicated a temperate expansion from 2008 to 2018: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2018 figures, tomato ketchup exports increased by +40.4% against 2016 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when exports increased by 39% against the previous year. Over the period under review, tomato ketchup exports attained their peak figure in 2018 and are expected to retain its growth in the near future.

In value terms, tomato ketchup exports stood at $123M (IndexBox estimates) in 2018. In general, the total exports indicated a modest increase from 2008 to 2018: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2018 figures, tomato ketchup exports increased by +80.2% against 2016 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when exports increased by 67% year-to-year. In that year, tomato ketchup exports attained their peak and are likely to continue its growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

France (53K tonnes) was the main destination for tomato ketchup exports from Spain, with a 60% share of total exports. Moreover, tomato ketchup exports to France exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, the UK (6.6K tonnes), eightfold. The Netherlands (5.6K tonnes) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 6.4% share.

From 2008 to 2018, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to France amounted to +1.5%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the UK (+7.9% per year) and the Netherlands (+7.1% per year).

In value terms, France ($81M) remains the key foreign market for tomato ketchup exports from Spain, comprising 66% of total tomato ketchup exports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Portugal ($6.1M), with a 5% share of total exports. It was followed by the Netherlands, with a 4.9% share.

From 2008 to 2018, the average annual growth rate of value to France amounted to +1.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Portugal (+0.0% per year) and the Netherlands (+4.6% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average tomato ketchup export price stood at $1,398 per tonne in 2018, rising by 39% against the previous year. Overall, the tomato ketchup export price, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when the average export price increased by 39% year-to-year. The export price peaked at $1,518 per tonne in 2008; however, from 2009 to 2018, export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by the country of destination; the country with the highest price was France ($1,543 per tonne), while the average price for exports to the UK ($776 per tonne) was amongst the lowest.

From 2008 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to France, while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Imports into Spain

In 2018, the imports of tomato ketchup and tomato sauces into Spain amounted to 24K tonnes, lowering by -3.8% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the total imports indicated a pronounced increase from 2008 to 2018: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.1% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2018 figures, tomato ketchup imports decreased by -14.6% against 2015 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 with an increase of 68% y-o-y. Over the period under review, tomato ketchup imports attained their maximum at 29K tonnes in 2010; however, from 2011 to 2018, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, tomato ketchup imports stood at $32M (IndexBox estimates) in 2018. Over the period under review, tomato ketchup imports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when imports increased by 26% y-o-y. Imports peaked at $36M in 2010; however, from 2011 to 2018, imports failed to regain their momentum.

Imports by Country

The Netherlands (7.6K tonnes), Poland (4.5K tonnes) and the UK (3.8K tonnes) were the main suppliers of tomato ketchup imports to Spain, with a combined 65% share of total imports.

From 2008 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of imports, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by the UK, while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($9.9M), Poland ($6.8M) and the UK ($4.4M) appeared to be the largest tomato ketchup suppliers to Spain, together accounting for 66% of total imports.

In terms of the main suppliers, Poland recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to imports, over the last decade, while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2018, the average tomato ketchup import price amounted to $1,307 per tonne, growing by 5.9% against the previous year. Overall, the tomato ketchup import price, however, continues to indicate a moderate reduction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2011 an increase of 23% y-o-y. Over the period under review, the average import prices for tomato ketchup and tomato sauces attained their maximum at $1,701 per tonne in 2008; however, from 2009 to 2018, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major supplying countries. In 2018, the highest prices were recorded for prices from Germany ($1,629 per tonne) and Poland ($1,521 per tonne), while the price for Portugal ($1,087 per tonne) and the UK ($1,148 per tonne) were amongst the lowest.

From 2008 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Germany, while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox AI Platform

tomato

COMMERCE SUSPENDS INVESTIGATION INTO FRESH TOMATO IMPORTS FROM MEXICO

On Sept. 19, Commerce finalized an agreement with Mexican tomato growers to suspend the AD investigation of fresh tomatoes from Mexico, halting the process for imposing antidumping duties on tomatoes from Mexico

“Today’s successful outcome validates the administration’s strong and smart approach to negotiating trade deals,” Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said.  “The department’s action brought the Mexican growers to the negotiating table and led to a result that protects U.S. tomato producers from unfair trade. It also removes major uncertainties for the Mexican growers and their workers.”

The suspension agreement completely eliminates the injurious effects of unfairly priced Mexican tomatoes, prevents price suppression and undercutting, and eliminates substantially all dumping, while allowing Commerce to audit up to 80 Mexican tomato producers and U.S. sellers per quarter, or more with good cause. 

In addition, the agreement also closes loopholes from past suspension agreements that permitted sales below the reference prices in certain circumstances, and includes an inspection mechanism to prevent the importation of low-quality, poor-condition tomatoes from Mexico, which can have price-suppressive effects on the market. 

The probe came from a Nov. 14, 2018, request from the Florida Tomato Exchange.