Market
Fresh tomatoes in Ukraine are supplied by domestic producers but the market is structurally import-dependent, with imports far exceeding exports. In 2023, Ukraine imported US$116.8 million (95.3 million kg) of fresh/chilled tomatoes, led by Turkey, while exports were US$1.7 million (1.2 million kg), indicating a clear net-import position. The ongoing war continues to disrupt transport and energy infrastructure and increases operational risk across agricultural supply chains, particularly in frontline and heavily damaged oblasts. The June 2023 destruction of the Kakhovka dam reduced irrigation water availability in Kherson, raising supply risk for irrigated summer crops such as tomatoes.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market with domestic production)
Domestic RoleStaple fresh vegetable market supplied by domestic open-field/greenhouse producers and supplemented by imports, with heavy reliance on imports in years/periods of domestic supply constraint.
Risks
Armed Conflict HighRussia’s ongoing full-scale invasion creates a deal-breaker risk for tomato supply chains via direct damage to transport and energy infrastructure, elevated security risks in frontline/damaged oblasts, and field access constraints (including mine contamination), which can severely disrupt production and distribution.Avoid reliance on frontline-origin supply; use conflict-aware sourcing and route planning, require updated security and demining status from suppliers, and maintain contingency suppliers/origins for import programs.
Water Security HighThe destruction of the Kakhovka dam disrupted a major irrigation network in Kherson, and satellite-based assessments highlighted that irrigated summer crops in the region (including tomatoes) are heavily reliant on irrigation—raising the risk of sharp domestic supply shortfalls from affected southern areas.Diversify sourcing away from irrigation-dependent zones when feasible; prioritize suppliers with secured alternative water sources and documented irrigation resilience plans.
Logistics MediumHigh import dependence (Turkey as the dominant origin in 2023) increases exposure to cross-border disruptions, corridor-specific delays, and freight volatility, with rapid knock-on effects on availability and prices for a perishable product.Diversify import origins and routes where possible, contract for flexible delivery windows, and use tighter inbound QA and monitoring to reduce loss during delays.
Energy MediumAttacks on energy infrastructure and broader war impacts can raise greenhouse operating costs and disrupt cold-chain continuity, increasing spoilage risk and reducing domestic offseason supply.Preference suppliers with backup power/energy continuity plans and validated cold-chain SOPs; consider staggered deliveries and smaller lot sizes during high-risk periods.
Regulatory Compliance MediumDocumentation and certification processes are evolving (including increased use of electronic phytosanitary certification), creating a compliance risk if exporters/importers rely on outdated document formats or workflows.Confirm current SSUFSCP document workflows per destination/partner and align pre-shipment document checks to the latest official guidance and systems used.
Sustainability- Water security and irrigation disruption risk in southern vegetable areas affected by the Kakhovka dam destruction, with implications for irrigated summer crops such as tomatoes in Kherson.
Labor & Social- Mine/UXO contamination and frontline security risks affecting safe field access and worker safety in agricultural areas.
- Labor shortages and operational disruptions linked to war impacts on agricultural enterprises.
FAQ
Is Ukraine a net importer or net exporter of fresh tomatoes?Ukraine is a net importer. In 2023 it imported about US$116.8 million (95.3 million kg) of fresh/chilled tomatoes and exported about US$1.7 million (1.2 million kg), according to World Bank WITS (UN Comtrade) trade data.
What is the single biggest risk that can disrupt fresh tomato supply in Ukraine?The ongoing war is the biggest risk because it can disrupt production areas and distribution through damage to transport and energy infrastructure and by limiting safe access to farmland (including mine contamination), as highlighted in World Bank recovery assessments and FAO reporting on agricultural enterprise impacts.
Why is irrigation disruption in southern Ukraine specifically relevant to tomatoes?After the Kakhovka dam was destroyed, assessments noted that irrigated summer crops in Kherson—including tomatoes—depend heavily on irrigation, so loss of irrigation water can sharply reduce output from that region.
What phytosanitary documentation trend should exporters watch when trading with the EU from Ukraine?Ukraine is moving toward electronic phytosanitary certification workflows (ePhyto ecosystem), and SSUFSCP communications indicate a shift to electronic phytosanitary certificates for EU-related movements from November 2025, so exporters should align document workflows with current official guidance.