Turkey has restricted tomato exports, ostensibly to maintain price stability on the domestic market. The Commerce Ministry measure has added tomatoes (prepared or preserved by methods other than vinegar or acetic acid) and tomato paste to the list of "goods subject to registration" for export.
When European tomato production was interrupted earlier this year due to rising energy costs, Turkey's tomato exports rose. Industry experts had warned that with the increase in export demand, tomato prices could rise to 50 Turkish liras ($2.70) a kg.
The Ministry expects the upward trend in tomato paste to continue: "In order to maintain the balance of domestic supply/international demand and price stability, taking into account the domestic market and consumer inflation dynamics, necessary measures for exports must be taken immediately."
Source: middleeastmonitor.com