In the first ten months of 2024, the European Union (EU) imported a total of 2,381.33 million kilograms of tomatoes, valued at 4.03 billion EUR, averaging 1.69 EUR per kilogram. These numbers reflect a 2.52% increase in the overall tomato imports from 2015, with the EU’s total tomato consumption steadily growing. However, within these statistics, significant changes have occurred in the sources of tomato supply, particularly with a notable shift from traditional suppliers such as the Netherlands and Spain to Morocco.
Between January and October 2024, the Netherlands and Spain, two of the EU’s largest tomato exporters, reported decreases in sales to EU markets. Dutch tomato exports fell by 14.76%, while Spanish exports saw a 12.87% drop compared to the same period in 2015. This decline comes as the two countries face mounting challenges in maintaining their competitive edge in the EU market, possibly due to factors such as rising production costs, climate-related issues, and market saturation.
In contrast, Morocco’s tomato exports to the EU have seen a dramatic surge of 72.71% over the same period. In 2024, Moroccan tomatoes were sold to the EU at an average price of 1.82 EUR per kilogram, slightly higher than the prices of Dutch (1.74 EUR/kg) and Spanish (1.72 EUR/kg) tomatoes. This sharp increase in Moroccan exports indicates a strategic advantage in cost-efficiency, quality, and potentially more favorable growing conditions, making Moroccan tomatoes increasingly competitive on the EU market.
Several factors contribute to this shift in tomato trade patterns. Morocco’s proximity to Europe, combined with its favorable climate for tomato cultivation and advanced agricultural techniques, has made it a reliable and cost-effective supplier. Moreover, Morocco’s integration into the EU’s agricultural trade agreements and its ability to meet the growing demand for fresh produce during the European off-season are further boosting its export volume.
At the same time, the declines in Dutch and Spanish tomato exports to the EU reflect broader changes in agricultural practices, market demand, and possibly the influence of rising input costs. This is an ongoing challenge for both countries, which have long been dominant players in the European vegetable export sector.
The tomato trade in the European Union has undergone a noticeable transformation over the last decade. While the overall market for tomatoes has grown, Morocco has capitalized on this increase with a substantial rise in exports, leaving traditional suppliers such as the Netherlands and Spain grappling with declining sales. As the global agricultural market continues to evolve, the ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences, pricing dynamics, and production costs will be key for the future competitiveness of tomato exporters worldwide.
