Republic of Korea: Tomato Market 2025

Tomato Market Size in Republic of Korea

The South Korean tomato market shrank slightly to $X in 2022, almost unchanged from the previous year. Overall, consumption saw a noticeable shrinkage. Tomato consumption peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Tomato Production in Republic of Korea

In value terms, tomato production reduced slightly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production saw a deep contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the production volume increased by 26%. Tomato production peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

The average yield of tomatoes in South Korea reached X tons per ha in 2022, therefore, remained relatively stable against 2021. Over the period under review, the yield, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when the yield increased by 10% against the previous year. As a result, the yield attained the peak level of X tons per ha. From 2015 to 2022, 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.

The tomato harvested area in South Korea declined modestly to X ha in 2022, remaining stable against the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, the harvested area recorded a mild setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when the harvested area increased by 17% against the previous year. As a result, the harvested area attained the peak level of X ha. From 2015 to 2022, the growth of the tomato harvested area remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Tomato Exports

Exports from Republic of Korea

In 2022, approx. X tons of tomatoes were exported from South Korea; shrinking by -9.3% on the previous year's figure. In general, total exports indicated buoyant growth from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +6.4% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +5.3% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 33% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, tomato exports shrank dramatically to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, total exports indicated a pronounced increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports decreased by -21.1% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when exports increased by 21%. The exports peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Japan (X tons) was the main destination for tomato exports from South Korea, accounting for a 97% share of total exports. It was followed by Hong Kong SAR (X tons), with a 1.6% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Japan totaled +6.7%.

In value terms, Japan ($X) remains the key foreign market for tomatoes exports from South Korea, comprising 94% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Hong Kong SAR ($X), with a 4.2% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to Japan totaled +1.9%.

Export Prices by Country

The average tomato export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, which is down by -10.4% against the previous year. Overall, the export price recorded a pronounced slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when the average export price increased by 9.6%. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Hong Kong SAR ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Japan totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Hong Kong SAR (+6.5%).

Tomato Imports

Imports into Republic of Korea

Tomato imports into South Korea contracted to X tons in 2022, waning by -8.2% against 2021 figures. In general, imports, however, posted a resilient expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when imports increased by 552%. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons. From 2019 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, tomato imports rose notably to $X in 2022. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a resilient expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 867% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2019 to 2022, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

The United States (X tons), China (X tons) and the Netherlands (X tons) were the main suppliers of tomato imports to South Korea, with a combined 76% share of total imports. These countries were followed by Brazil, which accounted for a further 1.8%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Brazil (with a CAGR of +169.6%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest tomato suppliers to South Korea were the Netherlands ($X), the United States ($X) and China ($X), together comprising 68% of total imports.

The Netherlands, with a CAGR of +173.3%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average tomato import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, jumping by 17% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price saw a tangible increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 an increase of 55% against the previous year. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2020 to 2022, the average import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($X per ton), while the price for Brazil ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Netherlands (+8.7%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :