Tomato market in Mozambique

Earlier Report Observations

The tomato market in Mozambique expanded robustly from 763 thousand tons in 2018 to 1 601 thousand tons in 2022, more than doubling in volume. This growth was initiated by the established production hub in the Chókwe perimeter, irrigated by the Macarretane dam, and accelerated from 2019 with the commercialization of improved tomato varieties such as HTX, KIARA, and NAGAIA. These varieties, recommended by the Mozambican Agrarian Research Institute (IIAM), were designed to enhance yields and supported the steady market increase.

Further gains in 2021 and 2022 aligned with agronomic studies that optimized planting density and fertilization, leading to higher fruit counts and fresh weight per plant and boosting overall production. However, the market contracted sharply to 944 thousand tons in 2023. During this period, organic agriculture gained prominence in Mozambique, with sustainable practices and growing demand for organic tomatoes, especially in urban areas like Maputo and Beira, reflecting an evolving segment within the market.

Production tomato in Mozambique

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Mozambique ranked 27th globally in tomato production.

Top producers of tomato, 2017-2020

World map of production of tomato, 2017-2020

Mozambique's tomato production grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 1 120 thousand tonnes of tomatoes, marking a significant increase of 24.1% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 103.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 26.8%.

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

Exports tomato from Mozambique

Exports in kind, t

Mozambique's tomato exports expanded for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 5 tonnes, showing a sharp rise of 66.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports surged by 551%, with a compound annual growth rate of 86.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mozambique's tomato export structure was diversified. China accounted for 31.2% of exports by volume, South Africa for 9.0%, and Singapore for 8.0%. Together, these three countries made up just 48.2% of total exports, with no single nation holding a clearly dominant position.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. In 2018, tomato export values from Mozambique hit their lowest point at 2 thousand US dollars, then peaked in 2019 at 9 thousand US dollars—a 4.5-fold difference between these years. The largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 38.0%, while the largest increase was in 2019, jumping by 350.1%. In 2020, exports amounted to 8 thousand US dollars, representing a decrease of 8.1% from the previous year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the top buyers of Mozambican tomatoes by value were South Africa, with 25.0% of exports, the United Arab Emirates at 10.0%, and Singapore at 9.4%. However, their combined share was only 44.4% of total export value, indicating a diversified country structure.

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

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

Imports tomato to Mozambique

Imports in kind, t

Mozambique's tomato imports grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports were recorded at 1 641 tonnes, reflecting a sharp increase of 25.6% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 691.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 99.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa was the dominant source for Mozambique's tomato imports by volume, accounting for 75.4% of total flows. The remaining share was spread across several smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Mozambique's tomato import value reached 1 546 thousand US dollars, down by 6.6% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 15.5%, with an average annual decline of 5.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 438 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest drop of 21.3%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, rising by 15.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, South Africa effectively monopolised Mozambique's tomato imports by value, capturing 91.6% of total flows.

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

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