South Africa: Tomato Market 2024

Tomato Market Size in South Africa

In 2023, the South African tomato market was finally on the rise to reach $X for the first time since 2020, thus ending a two-year declining trend. The market value increased at an average annual rate of X% over the period from 2012 to 2023; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market attained the peak level at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2023, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Tomato Production in South Africa

In value terms, tomato production rose slightly to $X in 2023 estimated in export price. In general, production posted a buoyant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of X% against the previous year. Tomato production peaked at $X in 2021; however, from 2022 to 2023, production failed to regain momentum.

In 2023, the average tomato yield in South Africa totaled X tons per ha, standing approx. at the previous year. In general, the yield, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the yield increased by X% against the previous year. As a result, the yield reached the peak level of X tons per ha. From 2018 to 2023, the growth of the average tomato yield remained at a lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2023, the tomato harvested area in South Africa expanded markedly to X ha, picking up by X% on the previous year. Overall, the harvested area, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of X% against the previous year. As a result, the harvested area reached the peak level of X ha. From 2017 to 2023, the growth of the tomato harvested area failed to regain momentum.

Tomato Exports

Exports from South Africa

Tomato exports from South Africa declined to X tons in 2023, with a decrease of X% against the year before. In general, exports saw a abrupt shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when exports increased by X%. The exports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2023, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, tomato exports reduced to $X in 2023. Overall, exports recorded a abrupt decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of X% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2023, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Mozambique (X tons) was the main destination for tomato exports from South Africa, accounting for a X% share of total exports. Moreover, tomato exports to Mozambique exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Lesotho (X tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Swaziland (X tons), with a X% share.

From 2012 to 2023, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Mozambique amounted to X%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Lesotho (X% per year) and Swaziland (X% per year).

In value terms, the largest markets for tomato exported from South Africa were Mozambique ($X), Lesotho ($X) and Namibia ($X), together comprising X% of total exports. Swaziland and Botswana lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further X%.

Swaziland, with a CAGR of X%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, in terms of the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced a decline.

Export Prices by Country

In 2023, the average tomato export price amounted to $X per ton, rising by X% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when the average export price increased by X%. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2021; however, from 2022 to 2023, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major external markets. In 2023, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Namibia ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Mozambique ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Mozambique (X%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Tomato Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2023, approx. X tons of tomatoes were imported into South Africa; growing by X% against the year before. In general, imports enjoyed a prominent increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when imports increased by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum in 2023 and are likely to continue growth in the near future.

In value terms, tomato imports surged to $X in 2023. Over the period under review, imports posted significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when imports increased by X%. Imports peaked in 2023 and are likely to continue growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

In 2023, Namibia (X tons) was the main tomato supplier to South Africa, with a approx. X% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2023, the average annual growth rate of volume from Namibia stood at X%.

In value terms, Namibia ($X) constituted the largest supplier of tomatoes to South Africa.

From 2012 to 2023, the average annual growth rate of value from Namibia amounted to X%.

Import Prices by Country

The average tomato import price stood at $X per ton in 2023, waning by X% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, enjoyed a buoyant increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 when the average import price increased by X% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2021; however, from 2022 to 2023, import prices remained at a lower figure.

As there is only one major supplying country, the average price level is determined by prices for Namibia.

From 2012 to 2023, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Namibia amounted to X% per year.

Source: IndexBox Platform