Khaled Hneifat, the Jordan Minister of Agriculture in Jordan, has initiated a policy aimed at regulating the tomato export process while enhancing the importation of tomatoes into the domestic markets. This strategy, set to progress gradually, will lead to a complete cessation of exports should the ongoing scenario of diminishing tomato imports coupled with escalating market prices continue.
The objective behind this move is to guarantee an adequate availability of tomatoes for local consumption. According to Petra, the Ministry has noted a decline in the volume of tomatoes being imported alongside a surge in their market prices. The reduction in the supply of tomatoes to central markets, resulting in price hikes, has been linked to the shift in production cycles and an increase in temperatures. However, the Ministry forecasts that by mid-August, the market dynamics will normalize, with supply volumes meeting or surpassing the domestic demand, which is expected to lead to a reduction in prices before the said period.
Source: bna.bh