Argentina experiences shortage of tomatoes

Argentina is failing to meet domestic demand for tomatoes for the industry and is having to import cans from China.

The country has a deficit of 3,000 hectares of the plantation of this fruit to be able to supply the industries of the sector. Therefore, 30% of the industrialized product (extracts, sauces, or puree) consumed in Argentina comes from other countries.

The last report of this sector prepared by the National Board of Food of the country dates from May 2018 and contains data until 2017.

“Argentina’s production in 2017 has covered 68% of its demand, of about 700,000 tons,” the official report confirmed. That is why more than 30% of the industrialized tomato consumed in the country (whether as an extract, sauces, or puree) comes from abroad, especially from China, but also from Italy.

In 2017, according to customs data, Argentina imported 44,000 tons of tomato preparations, for more than US$37m: 62% came from China and the other 20% from Italy.

The official report also points out that “tomato production for the industry has room for growth in Argentina due to the fact that there are no restrictions on land and water, in addition to an internal market that is supplied with local raw material.”

Source: El Ciudadano web

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