According to the information compiled by the AA correspondent from the Southeastern Anatolia Exporters' Association data, Türkiye exported tomatoes worth 401 million 193 thousand dollars to 51 countries last year.
Türkiye, which exported tomatoes worth 291 million 912 thousand dollars in the January-September period of last year, sold products worth 304 million 171 thousand dollars to 49 countries in the same period this year.
Tomatoes worth 67 million 637 thousand dollars were sold to Romania, which ranks first in tomato exports, in the 9 months of this year. This country was followed by Russia with 32 million 618 thousand dollars and Bulgaria with 30 million 438 thousand dollars.
Murat Yılmaz, Vice President of the Greenhouse Investors and Producers Association, told the AA correspondent that it is important for the country's economy that tomato exports continue to increase.
Stating that Türkiye's tomato exports reached 304 million 171 thousand dollars in the 9 months of 2026 and increased by 4.19 percent compared to the same period last year, presenting a positive picture for the sector, Yılmaz stated that exports remained at the level of 401 million 193 thousand dollars in 2025 due to climatic conditions and problems in production.
Yılmaz stated that they expect the increase in exports to continue until the end of the year and made the following evaluations:
"When we look at the 9-month performance, I see a high probability that we will exceed the export level of 401 million dollars in 2025 at the end of the year. We achieved an average monthly export of approximately 33.8 million dollars in the 9 months of 2026. A total export of approximately 97 million dollars in the last three months of the year will be sufficient to exceed 401 million dollars. This means a monthly average of approximately 32.3 million dollars. If the current pace is maintained, it seems possible to exceed last year's figure."
Pointing out that not only the total value in exports, but also the amount exported and the export value per kilogram should be taken into account, Yılmaz emphasized that added value has become more important for the sector.
"The goal is to create new markets with high added value and sustainability"
Yılmaz stated that the export value per kilogram increased to approximately 1.56 dollars in the first half of 2026 and continued:
"This shows that Turkish tomatoes can be marketed at a higher value. We know that Türkiye exported over 402 thousand tons of tomatoes to 51 countries in 2025. Therefore, the next goal of the sector should not only be to increase sales in existing markets, but also to create new markets with high added value and sustainable. Türkiye has a significant competitive advantage in tomato production. Increasing modern greenhouse investments also strengthens our export potential in terms of being able to supply standard and quality products for longer periods of the year. Especially in Europe, as well as the Far East, the Middle East and the Middle East." "I think we need to increase our market diversity in markets such as the East, the UK and North America."
Stating that the sector's search for new markets continues, Yılmaz emphasized that it is important for Türkiye to reach a wider geography in tomato exports.
Yılmaz added that the main goal is to create permanent new markets that will take Türkiye's tomato exports to much higher levels in the coming years.
