Tomatoes, often called the “red gold” of agriculture, are one of the most widely consumed vegetables (technically a fruit!) in the world. They’re an essential ingredient in countless global cuisines—used in sauces, salads, soups, juices, and even snacks. As the global demand for tomatoes continues to grow, so does international trade.
Whether fresh, canned, or processed into paste or puree, tomatoes are a valuable agricultural export for many countries. But which nations lead the world in exporting this juicy staple? This article takes a deep dive into the top tomato exporting nations, how they rank, their key markets, and what fuels their dominance in the global tomato trade.
Global Tomato Trade Overview
The international tomato market is divided into two main segments:
- Fresh Tomato Exports – Sold to supermarkets, restaurants, and wholesalers.
- Processed Tomato Products – Including tomato paste, puree, sauces, ketchup, canned tomatoes.
Both markets are booming. According to the latest data, global tomato exports are valued at over $9 billion annually, with millions of tons shipped across borders every year.
Top Tomato Exporting Nations (Fresh and Processed)
1. Mexico – The Fresh Tomato Powerhouse
Global Rank: #1
Annual Export Value: Over $2.5 billion
Main Importers: United States, Canada
Mexico is the undisputed king of fresh tomato exports, with more than 90% of its tomatoes going to the United States. With ideal growing conditions, extensive greenhouse farming, and a well-integrated logistics system, Mexico supplies North America with fresh tomatoes year-round.
Key strengths:
- Proximity to U.S. markets
- Modern greenhouse production
- Established supply chains under USMCA
Tomatoes are among Mexico’s top agricultural exports, supporting thousands of farmers and creating a massive industry along its northern border.
2. Netherlands – Europe’s Tomato Trade Hub
Global Rank: #2
Annual Export Value: Over $1.8 billion
Main Importers: Germany, UK, France, Belgium
The Netherlands is one of the largest greenhouse tomato producers in the world. Despite its small size, the country ranks among the top exporters globally, thanks to high-tech vertical farming and hydroponic systems.
Why it leads:
- Advanced greenhouse technology
- Strategic location for EU distribution
- Efficient cold chain logistics
Most Dutch tomatoes are exported within the EU, especially to Germany, which lacks sufficient domestic production.
3. Spain – Mediterranean Tomato Giant
Global Rank: #3
Annual Export Value: Over $1.1 billion
Main Importers: Germany, UK, France, Netherlands
Spain is a major exporter of both fresh and processed tomatoes, with greenhouses stretching across Almería and Murcia. Spanish tomatoes are a cornerstone of European diets, and the country exports heavily across the continent.
Strengths:
- Long growing season
- High yield per hectare
- EU trade connections
In addition to exports, Spain is also a large processor of tomatoes, especially for canned products and sauces.
4. Morocco – Rising Star in Tomato Exports
Global Rank: #4
Annual Export Value: ~$900 million
Main Importers: France, UK, Russia
Morocco has rapidly expanded its tomato exports, becoming a leading supplier to Europe and Russia. With low labor costs and favorable trade agreements, Moroccan tomatoes are increasingly seen as a viable alternative to EU-grown tomatoes.
Key advantages:
- Climate suitable for year-round production
- Competitive prices
- Strategic access to EU markets
Greenhouses in regions like Agadir are boosting output to meet rising demand from European consumers.
5. Turkey – Balancing Fresh and Processed Exports
Global Rank: #5
Annual Export Value: ~$700 million
Main Importers: Iraq, Romania, Germany
Turkey is one of the largest tomato producers globally, with exports divided between fresh tomatoes and processed products, especially tomato paste and sauces. Regions like Antalya and İzmir are tomato cultivation hubs.
Why Turkey matters:
- Large-scale farming operations
- Expanding processed tomato industry
- Rising exports to Middle East and Balkans
Turkey is also among the top suppliers of tomato paste to many neighboring countries.
6. United States – A Major Exporter and Importer
Global Rank: #6
Annual Export Value: ~$400 million
Main Importers: Canada, Mexico, Japan
While the U.S. imports massive quantities of fresh tomatoes from Mexico, it is also a leading exporter, especially of processed tomatoes such as paste, sauces, and canned goods. California is the center of tomato processing in the U.S., producing over 90% of the country’s processing tomatoes.
Strengths:
- Advanced processing industry
- Efficient logistics
- Brand strength of American tomato products
Exports mostly go to Canada, Mexico, and Asia-Pacific markets.
7. China – Processing Powerhouse
Global Rank: #7
Annual Export Value: ~$350 million
Main Importers: Italy, Russia, African nations
China is a top producer of tomatoes, but most of its exports are in the form of tomato paste and derivatives, not fresh tomatoes. The Xinjiang region is the hub for large-scale tomato processing, supplying much of the world’s tomato paste.
Key export strengths:
- Massive scale and volume
- Low production costs
- Dominance in paste exports
China often supplies developing countries and emerging markets, competing on price and quantity.
8. Italy – Legendary Tomato Exporter
Global Rank: #8
Annual Export Value: ~$300 million
Main Importers: Germany, France, UK, U.S.
Italy is famed for its tomatoes — from San Marzano to Roma varieties. The country is a major exporter of processed tomatoes, particularly canned tomatoes, sauces, and purees.
What sets Italy apart:
- Premium tomato varieties
- Well-known global brands (e.g., Mutti, Cirio)
- Strong EU and global market presence
Though not a major fresh tomato exporter, Italian canned tomato products are among the most recognizable and trusted worldwide.
9. Belgium – Small but Strategic Exporter
Global Rank: #9
Annual Export Value: ~$250 million
Main Importers: France, Netherlands, Germany
Belgium grows tomatoes in high-tech greenhouses, similar to the Netherlands, and exports mostly to neighboring EU countries. It benefits from:
- Proximity to major European markets
- Efficient packaging and logistics
- Year-round production
Though its export volume is relatively small, Belgium plays an important role in supply chain continuity within Europe.
10. Iran – Regional Tomato Exporter
Global Rank: #10
Annual Export Value: ~$200 million
Main Importers: Iraq, Afghanistan, UAE
Iran exports a large amount of fresh tomatoes to neighboring countries, primarily in the Middle East and South Asia. Its strengths include:
- Large domestic production
- Low pricing
- Geographic proximity to major buyers
However, sanctions and export restrictions can occasionally affect Iran’s trade volumes.
Honorable Mentions
- Egypt – Growing exporter to Europe and the Gulf region.
- France – Smaller exports but strong internal production.
- Poland – Expanding greenhouse exports within the EU.
Conclusion
The global tomato market is dynamic, competitive, and essential to the world’s food system. Nations like Mexico, Netherlands, and Spain lead the charge in exporting fresh tomatoes, while Italy, China, and the United States dominate in processed tomato products.
With growing demand for fresh and healthy ingredients, especially in urban centers, tomato exports are expected to rise in the coming years. Meanwhile, climate change, trade agreements, and technological advancements in greenhouse farming and processing will continue to shape how and where tomatoes are grown and traded.
Whether it’s a salad in New York, pasta in Rome, or shakshuka in Tel Aviv — chances are, the tomato in your dish traveled across borders, powered by the intricate web of global agriculture.