W1 Tomato Update: Turkey's Tomato Exports Surge in 2023, While Drought Hits Domestic Production, Volatile Mexican Organic Roma Prices, Ukraine's Production Falls, and Bangladesh Prices Stabilize

Tomato Exports in Turkey Surged by 42.8% YoY in 2023

Turkey's tomato exports in 2023 reached USD 538.7 million, a 42.8% year-over-year (YoY) increase. The country exported 588.4 thousand tons of tomatoes to 52 countries, including Romania, Ukraine, Poland, Germany, Bulgaria, Netherlands, the United Kingdom (UK), Seychelles, Russia, Denmark, Spain, Azerbaijan, Italy, Qatar, Kazakhstan, Estonia, and France. The President of Turkey's Greenhouse Investors and Producers Association expressed satisfaction with the increase and is optimistic that it would encourage entrepreneurs to establish new greenhouses, contributing to employment and profit for the country's economy. Turkey ranks third in tomato production globally, following China. The country produces both open fields and protected cultivation for fresh and processed markets. Furthermore, Turkey aims to rank first in Europe in greenhouse production and increase its market share in tomato exports in 2024.

Çanakkale Tomato Producers Hopeful for Recovery as Rainfall Increases After 50% Yield Decrease in 2023

Turkey's tomato producers, particularly in the Çanakkale region, experienced a 50% YoY decrease in yield in 2023 due to drought. However, increased rainfall in late 2023 has raised hopes for improved water resources and a return to previous production levels.

Mexican Organic Roma Tomato Market Experienced Price Volatility in W1

The Mexican organic Roma tomato market experienced price volatility in W1 of 2024. At the start of the week, prices ranged from USD 38 to 39.5 per 25 pounds (lb) but eventually dropped to a range of USD 32 to 30/25-lb boxes free on board (FOB) to Nogales, Arizona. The volume remains limited at the beginning of the season from major Mexican tomato-exporting states like Sinaloa and Sonora. Expectations indicate continued price volatility in the coming weeks.

Ukraine's Tomato Production Sees Decline to 19th Global Rank Post-Russia Invasion

According to FAOSTAT, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) statistical agency, Ukraine was ranked 19th in global tomato production in 2022, producing 1.3 million tons. Before Russia's invasion, it held the 13th position and cultivated 2.4 million tons annually. The major contributors to global tomato cultivation included China, India, Turkey, the United States (US), Egypt, Italy, Mexico, Brazil, Nigeria, Spain, Iran, Russia, Uzbekistan, Algeria, Morocco, Portugal, Argentina, and Morocco. The highest yield was observed in the Netherlands at 42.31 kilograms per square meter (kg/m2) and in Poland at 11.75 kg/m2. In contrast, average yields were reported for China, India, Turkey, the US, Egypt, and Ukraine.

Tomato Prices Stabilize in Bangladesh's Market Following the Surge During Mid-Dec-23

In Bangladesh, tomatoes sourced from diverse regions, such as Chandina, Barura, Daudkandi, Homna, Burichang, and Debidwar, are available in a vegetable market spanning Dhaka-Chittagong, including Rajganj Bazar and Chawkbazar. According to the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), these tomatoes play a crucial role in meeting the demand in areas like Narayanganj, Feni, Noakhali, Chattogram, and Dhaka. In W1, large, medium, and small tomatoes are sold at prices ranging from USD 0.32 to 0.36/kg (BDT 35 to 40/kg). In mid-Dec-23, the market witnessed higher prices, ranging from USD 0.55 to 0.73/kg (BDT 60 to 80/kg), providing farmers with favorable returns.

Decline in Tomato Production as Syrian Farmers Shift to Banana Cultivation in Tartus

Tomato production in Syria's Mediterranean coast, particularly in the coastal province of Tartus, notably Banias, is experiencing a decline attributed to higher costs than banana cultivation. Many farmers in the region are shifting towards growing bananas due to its economic viability. Banias, historically crucial for tomato production, is expected to witness a decline in tomato cultivation within the next five years, as per expert predictions. In specific areas like al-Kharab, tomato cultivation has significantly reduced by over 65%. Bananas are preferred for their higher productivity, lower associated costs, and quicker time to fruiting, typically yielding within two years.