Turkish Tomatoes Account for 99% of Georgia’s Imports as Prices and Demand Rise
In the first seven months of 2024, Georgia experienced a significant increase in tomato imports, with a surge of 50% compared to the same period last year. According to the National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat), the value of imported tomatoes rose from over $8.06 million in January-July 2023 to more than $12.1 million in 2024.
The average cost of imported tomatoes also saw a notable increase. Last year, the price per kilogram of imported tomatoes averaged 42 cents, while this year, it has escalated to 60 cents per kilogram, marking a 43% rise in import costs.
Turkey has emerged as the dominant supplier of tomatoes to Georgia, accounting for an overwhelming 99% of the total imports in 2024. Between January and July, Georgia imported 19,953 tons of tomatoes from Turkey, valued at $12.06 million. The remaining imports were minimal, with 57 tons from Azerbaijan worth $47,600, 19 tons from Iran valued at $6,900, and small quantities from France and the Netherlands.
This heavy reliance on Turkish tomatoes underscores the strong trade ties between Georgia and Turkey in the agricultural sector. However, the increasing costs highlight potential challenges for Georgian consumers and importers alike, as they grapple with higher prices amidst growing demand.
The sharp rise in import costs may also prompt discussions among stakeholders in Georgia’s agricultural industry regarding the potential for boosting domestic tomato production. Such efforts could reduce dependency on imports, stabilize prices, and enhance food security within the country.
