Tomato market in Latin America and the Caribbean

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the fresh tomato market volume in Latin America and the Caribbean contracted from 11 816 thousand tons to 10 858 thousand tons. This period was characterized by the region's strong export focus, with Mexico cementing its role as the world's leading supplier, sending over 99% of its exports to the United States. Concurrently, both Mexico and Brazil saw a shift toward protected agriculture to enhance quality and yields, a transition that can affect short-term production volumes.

A recovery began in 2021, with the market reaching 11 570 thousand tons by 2023. This rebound was underpinned by increased consumer demand for fresh tomatoes due to a greater focus on healthy eating during the COVID-19 pandemic. Regulatory changes in Mexico, including the adoption of good agricultural practice programs and new export labeling requirements, helped standardize production. In Brazil, the expansion of the cherry tomato segment and the start of tomato juice exports from Goiás diversified the industry, while growth in Latin America's tomato processing sector created additional demand for raw materials.

In value terms, the market grew from USD 15 251 million in 2018 to USD 17 320 million in 2023, with a peak of USD 16 263 million in 2020. This increase reflects both higher volumes and the contribution of value-added, niche products like organic and gourmet tomatoes, supported by ongoing investments in protected cultivation and varietal development across the region.

Production tomato in Latin America and the Caribbean

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of tomato, 2017-2020

World map of production of tomato, 2017-2020

Tomato production in Latin America and the Caribbean declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 12 613 K t of tomatoes, marking a 3.1% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 3.3%, with an average annual growth rate of -1.1%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 13 560 K t, which represented a 3.9% increase from the previous year. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, when production declined by 4.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of tomato production in Latin America and the Caribbean reached 18 894 M $ US, showing an 8.3% year-over-year increase. From 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 8.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.8%. The largest decline in value was recorded in 2019, when it fell by 0.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports tomato from Latin America and the Caribbean

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, tomato exports from Latin America and the Caribbean totaled 1 780 K t, representing a moderate 7.5% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports rose by 16.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when exports dropped by 6.4%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2018, with a 15.5% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, tomato exports from Latin America and the Caribbean were highly concentrated, with the United States accounting for 92.3% of total export volumes.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Latin America and the Caribbean exported tomatoes worth 2 667 M $ US, a substantial 20.1% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 30.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, when export value fell by 2.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States was the primary destination for tomato exports from Latin America and the Caribbean, consistently absorbing 98.7% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020

Imports tomato to Latin America and the Caribbean

Imports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 9 K t, which was a 64.8% decline from the previous year. In 2020, Latin America and the Caribbean imported 25 K t of tomatoes, a sharp 185.7% increase compared to 2019. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2017, creating a threefold difference between the peak in 2017 and the low in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the main source of tomato imports to Latin America and the Caribbean, accounting for 3.4% of total import volumes.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After two consecutive years of decline, tomato imports to Latin America and the Caribbean increased in 2020. Import value reached 36 M $ US, reflecting a controlled 3.9% advance over the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 35 M $ US, which represented a 7.1% decline. Between 2017 and 2020, import value decreased by 6.6%, equating to an average annual decline of 2.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States and the Netherlands formed the core group of markets for tomato imports to Latin America and the Caribbean, jointly accounting for 31.2% of total import value.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020