Nigeria: Tomato Market 2025

Tomato Market Size in Nigeria

In 2021, the Nigerien tomato market decreased by -1.8% to $X for the first time since 2016, thus ending a four-year rising trend. Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated prominent growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +7.6% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption increased by +58.1% against 2016 indices. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the market remained at a lower figure.

Tomato Production in Nigeria

In value terms, tomato production dropped modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, the total production indicated a strong expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +7.7% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production increased by +60.1% against 2016 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when the production volume increased by 108%. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2015 to 2021, production growth remained at a lower figure.

In 2021, the average yield of tomatoes in Nigeria reached X tons per ha, approximately reflecting the previous year. Overall, the yield showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the yield increased by 103% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average tomato yield reached the maximum level at X tons per ha in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the 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 2021, approx. X ha of tomatoes were harvested in Nigeria; approximately mirroring the previous year. Overall, the total harvested area indicated a strong expansion from 2012 to 2021: its figure increased at an average annual rate of +6.8% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, tomato harvested area decreased by -3.0% against 2018 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 24%. As a result, the harvested area attained the peak level of X ha. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of the tomato harvested area failed to regain momentum.

Tomato Exports

Exports from Nigeria

Tomato exports from Nigeria surged to X tons in 2021, growing by 53% on the year before. Over the period under review, exports, however, showed a precipitous descent. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 381% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, tomato exports reduced markedly to $X in 2021. Overall, exports, however, faced a deep setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 354% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Benin (X tons) was the main destination for tomato exports from Nigeria, with a 90% share of total exports. Moreover, tomato exports to Benin exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Niger (X kg), ninefold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Benin amounted to +33.5%.

In value terms, Niger ($X) and Benin ($X) appeared to be the largest markets for tomato exported from Nigeria worldwide.

Among the main countries of destination, Benin, with a CAGR of +38.7%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average tomato export price amounted to $X per ton, declining by -55.9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, continues to indicate a strong increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 an increase of 152%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton, and then dropped notably in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Niger ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Benin totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Niger (+44.6%).

Tomato Imports

Imports into Nigeria

In 2021, purchases abroad of tomatoes increased by 18% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. In general, imports, however, saw a sharp descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 164% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, tomato imports soared to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, faced a precipitous descent. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 99%. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

China (X tons), the Netherlands (X tons) and Niger (X tons) were the main suppliers of tomato imports to Nigeria, with a combined 78% share of total imports. These countries were followed by Cameroon, Spain, Ethiopia, Italy and the UK, which together accounted for a further 19%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Cameroon (with a CAGR of +9.8%), while imports for the other leaders experienced a decline.

In value terms, the largest tomato suppliers to Nigeria were the Netherlands ($X), China ($X) and Niger ($X), together comprising 93% of total imports.

In terms of the main suppliers, Niger, with a CAGR of -6.8%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced a decline.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average tomato import price amounted to $X per ton, growing by 5.6% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, showed a pronounced decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when the average import price increased by 27% against the previous year. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2016 to 2021, the average import prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($X per ton), while the price for Spain ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Ethiopia (+1.9%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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