Mexico has solidified its position as the world’s leading tomato exporter, achieving a historic export value of $2.988 billion USD. Despite challenges such as drought, the nation’s robust agricultural practices and strategic market positioning have enabled it to surpass major competitors like the Netherlands and Spain.
In a remarkable achievement, Mexico has reaffirmed its status as the top global exporter of tomatoes, with an unprecedented export value of $2.988 billion USD, according to the Ministry of Economy, as reported by Fructidor.com. This figure places Mexico ahead of the Netherlands, which reached $1.950 billion USD, and Spain with $1.269 billion USD in tomato exports.
The primary market for these exports is the United States, which absorbs 99.8% of Mexico’s tomato shipments, as noted by Trade Data Monitor. This strong demand from the US has been a significant driver in Mexico’s sustained leadership in the global tomato market.
Looking ahead, the Mexican Ministry of Agriculture forecasts a production of 3.30 million tons of tomatoes for 2024. This represents a 2% increase from 2023, reflecting a growing demand for Mexican tomatoes in international markets. However, it is essential to note that the production in 2023 saw an 8% decline compared to the previous year, totaling 3.22 million tons. This drop was primarily due to severe drought conditions that affected water availability, posing significant challenges for the agricultural sector.
Despite these obstacles, the Mexican tomato industry remains resilient. The state of Sinaloa continues to lead production, contributing 22% to the national total. Other major producing states include San Luis Potosí (13%), Michoacán (7%), and Baja California Sur, Jalisco, and Sonora, each contributing 5%. Collectively, these five states account for over 51% of Mexico’s total tomato production.
Since surpassing the Netherlands in 2016 as the world’s leading tomato exporter, Mexico has maintained this position for eight consecutive years. This success is attributed to various factors, including advanced agricultural techniques, strategic trade relationships, and the ability to adapt to environmental challenges.
Mexico’s record-breaking tomato export figures underscore the nation’s robust agricultural framework and its ability to overcome significant hurdles. As demand continues to rise, particularly from the US, the future looks promising for Mexico’s tomato industry, with ongoing efforts to enhance production capabilities and market reach.
