1. Weekly News

Argentina

Argentina Proposes Import Restrictions to Safeguard Crops from PepMV Threat

The Advisory Council for Regional Development in the Greater La Plata region has proposed import restrictions on tomatoes from Chile to prevent the reintroduction of the Pepino Mosaic Potexvirus (PepMV), eradicated in Argentina four decades ago. Prevalent in Chile's tomato crops, the virus poses a significant threat to local agriculture, potentially affecting tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, cucumbers, potatoes, and weeds. With no effective chemical treatments available, prevention remains the only viable defense. The Council emphasizes the need for these measures to protect the fruit and vegetable production in La Plata and surrounding areas from the risks of foreign pests introduced through unchecked imports.

India

Tomato Prices Dropped in India Amid Rising Costs

After months of elevated prices, tomato prices significantly decreased in India, providing relief to strained household budgets. Tomatoes were priced at USD 1.15 per kilogram (kg) in Dec-24, forcing consumers to buy smaller quantities. In response, central and state governments introduced measures to reduce prices, selling tomatoes and onions at USD 0.40/kg in public markets, though access to these subsidies was limited. Recent rains have boosted production, leading to a price drop ranging between USD 0.12 and 0.17/kg.

Philippines

Tomato Prices Skyrocket in the Philippines Amid Cyclone-Induced Supply Shortages

Tomato prices in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, have surged to USD 2.22 to 3.07/kg at the Sangitan Public Market, driven by a supply shortage caused by agricultural damage from tropical cyclones in 2024. The impact extends to Metro Manila, where prices have risen sharply due to added retailer costs. At the Marikina Public Market, tomatoes are sold for as much as USD 6.83/kg, surpassing the price of some pork cuts.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Tomato Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Tomato Pricing Important Exporters (W2 2024 to W2 2025)

Mexico

In W2, Mexico's tomato prices fell to USD 2.38/kg, marking a 12.82% week-on-week (WoW), 15.30% month-on-month (MoM), and 28.31% year-on-year (YoY) decline. This price drop is primarily due to increased domestic supply supported by favorable weather conditions in key production regions like Sinaloa and Baja California, leading to higher yields. Moreover, reduced export demand, especially from the United States (US) due to seasonal adjustments and sufficient domestic supplies, has eased price pressures. The recovery of production levels following earlier supply chain disruptions has also contributed to the YoY price stabilization.

Morocco

In W2, Morocco’s tomato prices surged significantly, increasing by 147% WoW and 200% MoM to USD 0.42/kg. This dramatic spike was due to a sharp supply reduction caused by cold weather in key production regions like Souss-Massa and Agadir, where temperatures dropped well below seasonal averages in mid-Dec-24. These conditions disrupted tomato ripening and delayed harvesting schedules, leading to shortages both in the local and export markets. Furthermore, strong export demand from European Union (EU) countries such as France and Spain, which rely heavily on Moroccan tomato imports during the winter to fill seasonal gaps, worsened the supply constraints. Rising transportation costs and logistical challenges due to holiday-season congestion compounded the issue, intensifying price pressures in Morocco’s domestic market.

Spain

In W2, Spanish tomato prices dropped 6.84% WoW to USD 1.09/kg, down from USD 1.17/kg. This decline is mainly due to oversupply in the market due to record production. Between Jan-24 and Sep-24, Spanish tomato exports increased by 18.61% YoY. However, the price of exported tomatoes has fallen by 23.9% during this timeframe. The number of tomatoes exported by Spain during these nine months reached 499,990 mt, 18.61% YoY higher. The average export price for tomatoes dropped 23.9% YoY in 2024.

Türkiye

In W2, Türkiye’s tomato prices remained relatively stable WoW but rose by 0.79% MoM and 29.59% YoY, reaching USD 1.27/kg. This slight increase is mainly due to reduced domestic supply caused by cold weather, which has impacted greenhouse production, particularly in Antalya, the country’s leading greenhouse production region. Crop yields in Antalya have dropped significantly due to cold temperatures, heavy rainfall, floods, and storms. Moreover, higher export demand from neighboring countries and the Middle East has placed upward pressure on prices. Rising transportation costs and logistical challenges further contribute to the price hike, increasing the overall distribution expenses.

France

In W2, France's tomato prices experienced a significant increase, rising by 14.50% WoW and 30.86% MoM to USD 2.29/kg. This surge is primarily driven by a shortage of round tomatoes in the market, mainly due to seasonal factors. As many producers near the end of their growing season, supply has tightened, leading to higher prices. Moreover, the transition between growing cycles has further reduced available stock, intensifying the upward pressure on prices.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Promote Sustainable Greenhouse Tomato Production

To address the supply shortages caused by cold weather and environmental challenges in Türkiye, investments in climate-resilient greenhouse technology can stabilize production. The Turkish government, alongside private sector stakeholders, should promote the adoption of energy-efficient greenhouses equipped with temperature control, water-saving irrigation, and pest management systems. This initiative would enable consistent yields, even during adverse weather conditions, and reduce reliance on seasonal imports. Training programs for farmers in Antalya and other regions can complement these efforts, helping them adopt innovative practices to boost productivity and meet domestic and export demands.

Implement Disease Prevention and Surveillance Programs

Argentina should strengthen its biosecurity measures to protect local tomato production from PepMV. In collaboration with agricultural research centers, the government should establish stringent import screening protocols and create a national surveillance network to monitor and prevent outbreaks. Investing in diagnostic laboratories and training extension workers to identify early signs of PepMV is critical. Furthermore, public awareness campaigns can educate farmers about best practices to prevent the virus's spread. These measures would safeguard not only tomatoes but also other susceptible crops, ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability.

Strengthen Supply Chain Infrastructure

Morocco should invest in modern cold chain infrastructure and efficient logistics to mitigate the impact of weather disruptions on tomato supply. Private enterprises should collaborate to establish cold storage facilities and improve transport networks in key production regions like Souss-Massa and Agadir. Subsidies or low-interest loans for small-scale farmers to access these facilities would reduce post-harvest losses and enhance market stability. Moreover, diversifying export markets beyond the EU could ease the pressure on domestic supplies, ensuring a balanced product distribution during peak demand periods.

Sources: Tridge, Bichos de campo, GMA News Online, Newsable