Tomato market in ECOWAS

Earlier Report Observations

The tomato market in ECOWAS experienced consistent expansion from 2018 to 2023, with volume rising from 5.2 million tons to 6.9 million tons. This growth trajectory was initiated by a continent-wide surge in African tomato production, which increased from approximately 2 million tons to 20.8 million tons, providing a substantial boost to regional supply and market volume.

Domestic production within ECOWAS continued to climb annually through 2023, with the market remaining primarily supplied by local output as imports stayed at minimal levels. The steady increase in production capacity underpinned the region's growing market size over this period.

Industry developments in 2024, including a major $35 million investment in tomato processing in Egypt aiming to handle 90,000 tons and Morocco's rise as a top global exporter, highlighted ongoing dynamism in the broader African tomato sector that influences regional trade patterns.

Production tomato in ECOWAS

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of tomato, 2017-2020

World map of production of tomato, 2017-2020

Tomato production in ECOWAS has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 5 862 K t of tomatoes, marking a moderate year-over-year increase of 5.8%. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 17.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in ECOWAS in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports tomato from ECOWAS

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 8 383 t, while the highest occurred in 2018 at 25 370 t, representing a peak-to-trough ratio of 3 times. In 2020, ECOWAS exported 8 558 t of tomatoes, showing a slight uptick of 2.1% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was 67.0% in 2019, and the largest increase was 74.0% in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from ECOWAS in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, tomato exports from ECOWAS were not heavily concentrated in a few key markets. The Netherlands accounted for 27.1% of exports in kind, France for 8.5%, and Belarus for 8.5%, with these three countries together making up only 44.1% of total flows.

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

World map of product's exports from ECOWAS in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 10 249 K $ US and peaked in 2018 at 30 121 K $ US, with a 2.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, ECOWAS exported 16 084 K $ US of tomatoes, reflecting a sharp rise of 56.9% over the previous year. The largest decline was 66.0% in 2019, and the largest increase was 80.3% in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from ECOWAS in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, France, and Belarus were the key partners for tomato exports from ECOWAS in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 36.6% of exports, France for 11.2%, and Belarus for 10.4%, with these three countries jointly representing 58.2% of total flows.

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

World map of product's exports from ECOWAS in value, 2017-2020

Imports tomato to ECOWAS

Imports in kind, t

Tomato imports into ECOWAS have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 2 163 t, which is 8.1% higher year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 76.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 20.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to ECOWAS in kind, 2017-2020, t

During 2017–2020, tomato imports into ECOWAS were relatively evenly distributed. Morocco accounted for 3.7% of imports in kind, Spain for 1.7%, and Portugal for 1.0%, with these three countries together making up only 6.4% of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to ECOWAS in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Cross-border shipments of tomatoes into ECOWAS declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, ECOWAS imported 2 163 K $ US of tomatoes, down by 23.0% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 24.8%, with an average annual decline of 9.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 3 078 K $ US, with the largest increase of 14.9% also occurring in that year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to ECOWAS in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Morocco, Spain, and Portugal were among the largest suppliers of tomatoes to ECOWAS in value terms. Morocco accounted for 10.5% of imports, Spain for 9.6%, and Portugal for 7.9%, but even together they represented just 28.1% of total imports, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

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

World map of product's imports to ECOWAS in value, 2017-2020