Turkish Tomato Prices Surge as Russian Exports Fall
Buyers of imported tomatoes face higher per-tonne costs as shipment volumes to Russia contract sharply.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Organic Food
Turkey exported 24,500 tonnes of tomatoes to Russia in January-August 2026, a 47.1% drop in volume from the same period in 2025, while the average export value rose 56% year on year to US$1,313.5 per tonne.
Why it matters
Higher prices for Turkish tomatoes were among the main factors behind the reduction in shipments, meaning the trade shift reflects cost pressure rather than a simple change in demand for the fruit. For consumers tracking how produce prices move across borders, the figures show how export pricing can reshape supply flows between two large markets.
The figures come from Turkish export records covering the first eight months of 2026, compared against the same period in 2025. The sharp drop in volume alongside a rise in per-tonne value points to price as a central factor, though the full set of causes is not spelled out in the available data.
The players
Turkey
Turkey is a major Mediterranean producer and exporter of fresh tomatoes, a key source of produce supply to Russia and other regional markets.
Russia
Russia is a large import market for fresh produce, including Turkish tomatoes, and its demand and pricing shape regional vegetable trade flows.
The details
Average export value rose to US$1,343 per tonne in August 2026, 40.7% above August 2025, indicating that price increases have continued into the latest month reported. Because the rouble-denominated value rose a smaller 37.9% than the dollar figure, currency movements between the two periods account for part of the gap between the dollar and rouble measurements. Taken together, the data show Turkish tomatoes becoming substantially more expensive per tonne for Russian buyers while total shipped volume contracted.
Timeline
January-August 2025: baseline period used for the year-on-year comparison.
January-August 2026: tomato exports to Russia fell 47.1% to 24,500 tonnes.
August 2026: average export value reached US$1,343 per tonne.
Market Context
The 2026 shift is measured directly against the January-August 2025 export baseline, showing that Turkey's tomato trade with Russia moved from a larger volume at lower prices to a smaller volume at substantially higher prices. The comparison is a single documented series, so it describes one bilateral trade relationship rather than the wider global tomato market.
Higher per-tonne prices for imported tomatoes can filter into grocery costs, which may affect how easily households keep fresh vegetables in their weekly diet. If produce budgets are tight, this is a good moment to plan vegetable purchases around seasonal and locally available options.
The takeaway
Rising import prices for fresh produce can shift what reaches shoppers, so tracking seasonal availability helps keep vegetable intake steady. For personal dietary planning, a conversation with a registered dietitian or your physician is a good next step.
Further reading
For broader background on how fresh produce is grown, priced and traded, explore our Organic Food coverage.
