Israel Ends Tomato Imports from Turkey, Meeting Full Domestic Demand

Israel has completely stopped importing tomatoes, a move confirmed by Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter in an interview with Gadi Ness. Dichter stated that local growers now fully supply the domestic market, marking a significant shift in Israel's agricultural import reliance. This change comes amid ongoing pressures on fresh produce prices and follows the outbreak of war, which has influenced supply chains and import patterns.

Data from June 2026 reveals a sharp decline in imports of tomatoes, peppers, and eggs, with no imports recorded for these products that month. This contrasts with June 2025, when Israel imported approximately 709 tons of tomatoes and 97 tons of peppers, and June 2024, with 16 tons of tomatoes and 422 tons of peppers imported. Before the conflict, Israel annually imported around 40,000 tons of tomatoes, mostly from Turkey, accounting for about 22% of the total consumption of 180,000 tons.

The shift to full domestic production is particularly impactful for fresh produce, which is sensitive to delays between harvest and retail. Such delays increase the risk of spoilage and loss, raising costs that ultimately affect consumer prices. Dichter emphasized that in recent years, significant efforts have been made alongside farmers to reduce import dependence and strengthen local agriculture, resulting in this unprecedented development.

This change also reflects broader geopolitical tensions, as Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was the primary source of tomato imports. The move to self-sufficiency in tomatoes and other fresh produce highlights Israel's strategic adaptation to current regional challenges and supply chain disruptions.