Turkey earns $252.5M from tomato exports in H1 2026 as prices offset lower volume

Turkey's tomato exports hold value as volume falls

Turkey earned 252.509 million dollars from tomato exports in the first half of 2026, according to data from the Southeastern Anatolia Exporters' Associations (GAİB) cited by ekonomi.haber7.com. The figure is down only marginally from 259.448 million dollars in the same January–June period a year earlier, even though the volume shipped dropped sharply. For fresh-produce traders, the divergence between falling tonnage and near-stable revenue is the story of the season.

Revenue steady, volume down by a third

Exported tomato volume fell from roughly 264,000 tons in the first half of last year to 161,679 tons this year, according to Murat Yılmaz, Vice President of the Greenhouse Investors and Producers Association (SERA-BİR), who spoke to Anadolu Agency (AA). Despite a decline of more than 100,000 tons, the drop in revenue stayed limited because the export value per kilogram rose.

"Even though we exported a smaller quantity of product, the increase in the per-kilogram price meant our revenue loss stayed limited," Yılmaz said. He added that the trend shows Turkish tomatoes are gaining value on international markets and finding buyers at higher prices. Yılmaz linked part of the volume decline to strong domestic demand, which drew supply away from export channels.

Romania leads a market of 46 countries

In the first six months of 2026, Turkey shipped tomatoes to 46 countries. Romania was the largest market at 65.467 million dollars, followed by Russia at 31.892 million dollars and Ukraine at 28.260 million dollars. Together, those three destinations accounted for more than half of the half-year total. For the full previous year, Turkey exported 401.193 million dollars of tomatoes to 51 countries, GAİB data show.

Yılmaz said producers are focusing on quality output, sustainable farming and the search for new markets, positioning Turkish tomatoes as a premium product rather than a high-volume commodity.

Outlook points to a stronger fourth quarter

Yılmaz expects exports to regain pace from late August and early September, with a positive price outlook particularly in the final quarter of the year. He pointed to the energy crisis and extreme heat in Europe as factors disrupting the production calendar. That, he said, could limit supply in the period ahead and support a stronger export season at higher prices.

• H1 2026 tomato export revenue: 252.509 million dollars, versus 259.448 million dollars a year earlier.
• Volume: 161,679 tons, down from about 264,000 tons.
• Top markets: Romania (65.467 million dollars), Russia (31.892 million dollars), Ukraine (28.260 million dollars).

The pattern suggests importers reliant on Turkish supply should prepare for tighter availability and firmer pricing into the fourth quarter, when Turkish exporters expect the strongest phase of the year.