Tomato market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Tomato production in Northern Africa fluctuated between 2018 and 2023, starting at 11.6 million metric tons in 2018, rising to 12.0 million in 2019, then gradually declining to 11.4 million in 2022 before rebounding to 12.4 million in 2023. Domestic market volume followed a similar trajectory, reaching 11.4 million metric tons in 2019, dipping to 10.7 million in 2022, and recovering to 11.7 million in 2023.

In value terms, the market expanded significantly from $13.4 billion in 2018 to $20.8 billion in 2023. This growth included a slight contraction in 2020 and 2022, but a sharp 36% surge from 2022 to 2023 drove the overall increase, reflecting higher unit prices or enhanced value within the supply chain.

The region consistently exported between 610,000 and 862,000 metric tons annually while importing minimal quantities, solidifying its net exporter status. These export volumes directly affected domestic availability, contributing to the year-to-year variations in market size.

Production tomato in Northern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of tomato, 2017-2020

World map of production of tomato, 2017-2020

Northern Africa's tomato production saw growth for two consecutive years before declining. In 2019, production reached its peak at 12 021 K t, marking a 4.1% increase from the previous year. However, by 2020, production had fallen to 11 821 K t, representing a 1.7% decrease year-over-year. Over the entire period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 4%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of tomato production in Northern Africa advanced for two years before experiencing a decline. In 2019, the output value peaked at 15 834 M $ US, with an 11.6% increase from the previous year. By 2020, the value had dropped to 15 652 M $ US, down 1.2% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, the overall increase in production value was 22.4%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 7.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports tomato from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, K t

Northern Africa's tomato exports have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region exported 660.3 K t of tomatoes, which remained nearly unchanged compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 16.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Northern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, France, Russia, and Spain were the core destinations for Northern Africa's tomato exports in kind. France accounted for 57.3% of exports, Russia for 10.6%, and Spain for 6.7%. Together, these three countries represented 74.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Northern Africa's tomato exports have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the export value reached 874.2 M $ US, showing a slight uptick of 0.7% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 37.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 11.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Northern Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017–2020, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom were consistently the main destinations for Northern Africa's tomato exports in value terms. France held 60.0% of exports, Russia 9.0%, and the United Kingdom 7.3%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 76.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports tomato to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, K t

The market for tomato imports in Northern Africa showed significant volatility during this period. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 10.2-fold difference between these years. In 2019, imports declined by 32.0%, but in 2018, they surged by 322.6%. By 2020, import volume stood at 4.6 K t, representing an abrupt rise of 254.3% compared to 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Northern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Pakistan was the largest source of tomato imports in kind to Northern Africa, accounting for 0.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The market for tomato imports in Northern Africa exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Import values hit their trough in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 5.3-fold amplitude between these years. In 2019, imports declined by 36.3%. By 2020, the import value totaled 4.8 M $ US, corresponding to a gain of 207.9% year-over-year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Northern Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2017–2020, Pakistan, Jordan, and Spain were consistently the main sources for Northern Africa's tomato imports in value terms. Pakistan accounted for 1.1% of imports, Jordan for 0.8%, and Spain for 0.6%. Together, these three countries represented 2.4% of total import flows.

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

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