Tomato market in Democratic Republic of the Congo

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the market volume for fresh tomatoes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo expanded consistently, rising from 49 951 tonnes to 51 247 tonnes. This growth was driven primarily by domestic production, which increased each year from 49 950 tonnes to 51 165 tonnes over the same period, while imports and exports remained minimal.

In 2021, efforts to reduce post-harvest losses likely supported the market's growth. Widespread lack of freezers among consumers led to significant spoilage of damaged or crushed tomatoes, prompting recommendations for better storage practices—keeping tomatoes away from light and in dry places, using vinegar or baking soda to remove chemicals, and adding vinegar to containers to extend shelf life without affecting taste. These improved preservation methods helped more tomatoes reach the market, contributing to the rise in available volume.

By 2024, the market experienced substantial price pressures, with the cost of a 20-kg crate of tomatoes from Mbanza-Ngungu surging by 83% between October and November, reaching 110 000 FC. Similarly, tomato prices from Kongo Central rose from 140 000 FC to 180 000 FC between February and March. These sharp increases, linked to local supply factors and demand in Kinshasa's urban market, coincided with a jump in imports to 535 tonnes, indicating heightened reliance on foreign supplies to meet domestic needs.

Production tomato in Democratic Republic of the Congo

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of tomato, 2017-2020

World map of production of tomato, 2017-2020

Tomato production in the Democratic Republic of the Congo increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 50 419 tonnes of tomatoes, remaining almost unchanged compared to 2019.

Annual dynamics of production in Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports tomato from Democratic Republic of the Congo

According to a desk-based market study, there were no tomato exports from the Democratic Republic of the Congo between 2017 and 2020.

Imports tomato to Democratic Republic of the Congo

Imports in kind, kg

The market displayed significant volatility during the observed period. Import levels fluctuated sharply, with a 10.9-fold difference between the low of 1 133 kg in 2018 and the high of 12 328 kg in 2019. In 2020, the Democratic Republic of the Congo imported {value_last_year} kg of tomatoes, representing a steep decline of 56.1% compared to 2019. The largest decrease occurred in 2018 at 71.7%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 988.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Rwanda and South Africa together accounted for 81.9% of total tomato imports by volume, with the remainder distributed thinly across other markets.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, $ US

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Tomato imports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 2 256 US dollars, then peaked in 2017, with a 3.7-fold variation between these years. In 2020, imports totaled 8 257 US dollars, marking a sharp rise of 64.0% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 72.8%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 123.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Democratic Republic of the Congo in value, 2017-2020, $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, South Africa and Uganda jointly accounted for 80.3% of the total value of tomato imports to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with the rest spread across smaller markets.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Democratic Republic of the Congo in value, 2017-2020