Uruguay: Tomato Market 2025

Tomato Market Size in Uruguay

The Uruguayan tomato market rose remarkably to $X in 2021, surging by 6.5% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Tomato consumption peaked at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Tomato Production in Uruguay

In value terms, tomato production expanded sharply to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, the total production indicated resilient growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +7.4% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production decreased by -9.1% against 2019 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when the production volume increased by 91%. Tomato production peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

The average yield of tomatoes in Uruguay amounted to X tons per ha in 2021, remaining constant against the previous year. Over the period under review, the yield continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when the yield increased by 13%. Over the period under review, the average tomato yield hit record highs at X tons per ha in 2013; however, from 2014 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, the total area harvested in terms of tomatoes production in Uruguay amounted to X ha, leveling off at the previous year. Over the period under review, the harvested area, however, saw a slight downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the harvested area increased by 27%. As a result, the harvested area reached the peak level of X ha. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the tomato harvested area remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Tomato Exports

Exports from Uruguay

In 2021, shipments abroad of tomatoes increased by 85% to X tons, rising for the second year in a row after three years of decline. In general, exports showed significant growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of 245% against the previous year. The exports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

In value terms, tomato exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Overall, exports enjoyed a significant expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when exports increased by 174% against the previous year. The exports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

The UK (X tons) was the main destination for tomato exports from Uruguay, with a approx. 100% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to the UK totaled +34.2%.

In value terms, the UK ($X) also remains the key foreign market for tomato exports from Uruguay.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to the UK stood at +32.3%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average tomato export price amounted to $X per ton, rising by 9.2% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, continues to indicate a mild curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the average export price increased by 21%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

As there is only one major export destination, the average price level is determined by prices for the UK.

From 2012 to 2021, the rate of growth in terms of prices for the UK amounted to -1.4% per year.

Tomato Imports

Imports into Uruguay

In 2021, purchases abroad of tomatoes decreased by -74.8% to X tons, falling for the fifth year in a row after five years of growth. Overall, imports showed a deep slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 182% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at X tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, tomato imports declined remarkably to $X in 2021. In general, imports continue to indicate a abrupt decline. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of 172%. Imports peaked at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Argentina (X tons), Brazil (X tons) and Chile (X tons) were the main suppliers of tomato imports to Uruguay, with a combined 99.9% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Brazil (with a CAGR of -3.4%), while imports for the other leaders experienced a decline.

In value terms, Argentina ($X) constituted the largest supplier of tomato to Uruguay, comprising 62% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Brazil ($X), with a 24% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Argentina totaled -4.9%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Brazil (+3.9% per year) and Chile (-27.2% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average tomato import price amounted to $X per ton, which is down by -9.8% against the previous year. Overall, import price indicated a strong increase from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +6.4% 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 import price decreased by -11.0% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 an increase of 48% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Chile ($X per ton), while the price for Brazil ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Argentina (+9.5%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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