World tomato demand started a decline

Nevertheless we see a decline since 2021 when a record of about 7,5 million tons was imported, about 7 million tons in 2022 and 6,8 million tons in 2023. The US is by far the first customer with about 2 million tons imported in 2023, mainly from Mexico. US imports of fresh tomato have gradually progressed from 1,56 million tons in 2014. Germany is the second importer, with tendency to decline. 650,000 tons of tomato were purchased from other origins, against 745,000 tons in 2014. France is third importer with 535,000 tons in 2023, Uk the third with 369,000 tons, both with tendency to reduce their demand from their main suppliers, Morocco Spain and The Netherlands.

Mexico and The Netherlands the 2 major exporters

Mexico remains by far the number one exporter of fresh tomatoes and reached more then 2,000 tons for the first time in 2023. Its shipments progressed 15% in 7 years. US and Canada are its soe customers. The Netherlands, Spain, Morocco and Turkey are competing for the European market as the 4 main exporters. The Netherlands is still EU first supplier but its shipments have slightly declined over the last 5 years, from 1,090,000 tons in 2018 to 867,000 tons in 2023. After surpassing Spain in 2022 with 741,000 tons exported (635,000 from Spain), Morocco sees a decline in tomato shipments in 2023 (659,000 tons), unliked Spain (650,000 tons exported) and Turkey (587,000 tons) which both progressed.

France and Portugal the game changers on the EU market

Cumulated exports of fresh tomatoes reached more than 345,000 tons until the month of September 2024, more then 70% of it going to the UK. This years figures are slightly higher then last season 2022/2023 but still bellow then 5 years average. EU exports of fresh tomatoes have continuously declined over the last 10 years, by 48% if comparing with 2014. The intra-EU trade of fresh tomatoes remains quite stable around 2,2 million tons over the last 10 years. The Netherlands (690,000 tons), Spain (482,000 tons), France (304,000 tons) and Portugal (233,000 tons) are the 4 main suppliers. France and Portugal were the 2 only countries which progressed with respectively +60% and +210% more deliveries over the last 5 years. The other countries declined. Source: EU dashboard.

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