W16 Tomato Update: Ukrainian Greenhouse Tomato Prices Increased by 9.6% in 2024, and Spanish Tomato Exports to EU Declined by 20%

Published 2024년 4월 25일

In W16 in the tomato landscape, various factors affected tomato prices, including the entry of Ukrainian greenhouse tomatoes, a decline in Greek tomato exports, a heatwave in Upper Egypt, increased production in the Obour market, and a decrease in Spanish tomato exports to the EU. The market has seen a 67% price increase compared to cheaper Turkish imports, with analysts expecting more local tomatoes by early May-24.

Ukrainian Greenhouse Tomatoes Enter Market with Higher Costs

Due to unfavorable weather, Ukrainian greenhouse tomatoes entered the market later than usual. As of April 19, 2024, these tomatoes are selling at prices 67% higher than in 2023, ranging from USD 3.05 per kilogram (kg) to USD 3.55/kg (UAH 120 to 140 UAH/kg), compared to cheaper Turkish imports priced at USD 1.78/kg to 2.03/kg (UAH 70 to 80 UAH/kg). Analysts expect more significant quantities of local tomatoes to be available by early May-24.

Greek Tomato Exports Decline by 9.6% in 2024

Tomato exports from Greece dropped by 9.6% in 2024, falling to 18.4 thousand tons from 20.3 thousand tons compared to 2023. In contrast, imports have surged from 400 to 1.1 thousand tons. This trend occurs as tomato production decreases in major European countries like Spain and Italy, although the Netherlands has reported an increase. Turkey aims to fill the European market gap, with its tomato exports reaching 588.4 thousand tons to 52 countries in 2023. The Turkish government aims to raise its tomato export value to USD 5 billion by 2026, taking advantage of the declining production in other parts of Europe.

Tomato Crop in Southern Upper Egypt Hit Hard by Heat Wave

A heatwave in Upper Egypt has severely affected late crops, especially tomatoes, causing increased disease outbreaks and crop losses. Egyptian farmers have suffered significant losses, with tomato prices fluctuating from USD 5.22 per tomato (EGP 250/piece) before dropping to USD 2.51/piece (EGP 120/piece). Climate change and pest spread pose significant challenges to Egypt's agriculture. Additionally, oversupply has led to a drop in onion prices.

Obour Market's Onion and Tomato Prices Drop Amidst Increased Production

Moreover, the Obour market has seen a significant decrease in prices of onions and tomatoes due to increased daily harvest rates and rising temperatures. The surge in production, particularly after the Eid al-Fitr holiday, has led to price reductions of up to 83% for onions and 64% for tomatoes. The head of the Farmers Syndicate attributed these fluctuations to supply and demand dynamics exacerbated by high temperatures. An oversupply of onions, particularly following cultivation expansion, has resulted in persistently low prices.

Spanish Tomato Exports Declined by 20% to the EU, and Imports From Morocco Doubled

Spanish tomato exports to the European Union (EU) have decreased by 20% over the past decade, while Moroccan imports have more than doubled. Moreover, Morocco ranks as the EU's second-largest tomato supplier and a top supplier to the United Kingdom (UK). The Tomato Contact Group meeting in Almería, Spain, discussed concerns about the EU-Morocco Association Agreement, the ineffective entry price system, and the demand for equal environmental and production standards. The agricultural sector in Almería, which accounts for over 60% of Spain's tomato exports, has seen a 7% increase in output but faces challenges such as a 22% decrease in prices and a 17% reduction in billing.