Tomato market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

The Hungarian fresh tomato market contracted significantly from 2018 to 2020, with market volume falling from 224 thousand tons to 163 thousand tons. This decline was driven by reductions in both domestic production and imports over the two-year period.

Market conditions shifted in 2021 as import volumes rose to 24.8 thousand tons, partly because imported tomatoes remained cheaper than domestic ones, increasing overall supply. However, in 2022, severe heat, drought, and a surge in energy and input costs caused a 30% drop in industrial tomato output, pulling total market volume down to 143 thousand tons. The following year, improved cultivation technology and recovery from previous weather challenges enabled domestic production to rebound by 38%, reaching 177 thousand tons and lifting the market to 186 thousand tons.

By 2023, Hungary's tomato self-sufficiency exceeded 80%, with imports playing a seasonal and variety‑complementing role. Export growth to neighboring countries also strengthened, reflecting enhanced competitiveness from technological advances.

Production tomato in Hungary

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of tomato, 2018-2021

World map of production of tomato, 2018-2021

Hungary's tomato production rebounded in 2021 after two years of decline. The country produced 171.8 thousand tons of tomatoes, marking a significant 11.4% increase compared to 2020. However, looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, production actually decreased by 18.9%, with an average annual decline of 6.8%. The lowest point was in 2020, with 154.1 thousand tons, when production fell by 18.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Hungary's tomato production value also recovered in 2021 following a two-year drop. The output was valued at 243.4 million US dollars, showing a strong 10.8% rise over the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, however, production value decreased by 32.1%, with an average annual decline of 12.1%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 219.6 million US dollars, after a 26.8% decline in 2019.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports tomato from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

Hungary's tomato exports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 13 676 tons, representing a steep 46.3% increase compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 282.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 56.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Slovakia, Romania, and Austria were the main destinations for Hungary's tomato exports in volume terms. Slovakia accounted for 37.7% of exports, Romania for 24.6%, and Austria for 15.7%, together making up 78.0% of total exports.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Hungary's tomato exports in value terms have also risen for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports totaled 19 377 thousand US dollars, up by 45.5% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports increased by 220.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 47.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the leading destinations for Hungary's tomato exports in value terms were Slovakia, Austria, and Romania. Slovakia held a 39.6% share, Austria 23.1%, and Romania 18.3%, collectively accounting for 80.9% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021

Imports tomato to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

Hungary's tomato imports have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, import volume reached 24 751 tons, which is 34.2% higher than the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 53.4%, with an average annual increase of 15.3%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 15 402 tons, when imports declined by 4.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Spain, Slovakia, and Germany were the primary sources for Hungary's tomato imports in volume terms. Spain contributed 34.6% of imports, Slovakia 20.7%, and Germany 12.3%, together representing 67.6% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Hungary's tomato imports in value terms have also grown for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports amounted to 39 882 thousand US dollars, reflecting a solid 24.7% rise compared to the prior year. From 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 39.4%, with an average annual growth of 11.7%. The minimum value was in 2019 at 26 332 thousand US dollars, following an 8.0% decline that year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In the 2018-2021 period, Spain, Slovakia, and Germany formed the main cluster of markets for Hungary's tomato imports in value terms. Spain accounted for 33.5% of imports, Slovakia for 22.5%, and Germany for 13.5%, with a combined share of 69.5% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021