Export Restriction on Turkish Tomatoes Lifted on 8 March 2023 Following Protests by Farmers

The Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry restricted tomato exports from March 2 to April 14, 2023, citing the increase in tomato prices and the earthquake, in order to ensure food supply security and price stability. However, the export restriction was lifted on March 8 following protests by farmers and exporters as spring months are the busiest for tomato exports. In 2022, Turkiye exported tomatoes worth USD 58M in March and USD 60M in April.

In the domestic market, while the lowest tomato price in winter months averages around USD 0.90/kg, cherry, and other varieties reached USD 2.11/kg. The increase in tomato prices to USD 1.32-1.58/kg in local markets and USD 1.84-2.11/kg in supermarkets has caused quite a reaction among consumers. The solution to this problem is not to restrict exports but to increase production. And the factor that causes the increase in prices of tomatoes and all other food products is not the increase in exports, but the rise in input costs.