Azerbaijan's tomato exports have surged significantly. According to the State Customs Committee, the country exported 21,700 tons of tomatoes worth $30 million from January to February.
Compared to the previous year, tomato exports increased by 57.1% in value and 40.1% in quantity. The average export price per ton of tomatoes in 2024 reached $1,381, up by $150 compared to the same period last year, which was $1,231.
Mirdjavid Gasanov, an agriculture expert, attributed the sharp increase in tomato export revenue to seasonal factors. He explained that the beginning of the year sees the dismantling of old and the construction of new greenhouses, decreasing tomato production and resulting in a shortage and price hike.
Gasanov noted that Azerbaijan mainly exports tomatoes to Russia, driven by market demand.
In 2023, Azerbaijan exported 140,000 tons of tomatoes worth $162 million, slightly lower than the previous year. However, 97.8% of tomato exports went to Russia. Azerbaijan's greenhouses produced a total of 268,900 tons of tomatoes in 2023.
It's worth noting that Azerbaijan's Food Safety Agency issues phytosanitary certificates for exports to Russia only to enterprises authorised by Russian authorities. These certificates are issued after laboratory tests. Other enterprises require permission from Federal Service Rosselkhoznadzor to export to Russia.
source: az.sputniknews.ru