INTERNATIONAL TRADE OF TOMATOES (2009-2011)

The study reveals the commercial activities related to international situation for tomatoes, during 2009-2011. It aims to highlight the level of imports and exports value worldwide in general and the situation by continents (Africa, Asia, the two Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania). Based on the indicators mentioned above (determined by multiplying the physical volume of imports and exports respectively with average selling prices), was established international commercial exchanges balance for tomatoes. There are highlighted specific situations of continental units as well as two particular cases - Romania and the European Union - having regard to the realities of our country reporting at regional and continental levels. In terms of world imports and structure stands out: the preponderance of Europe in the quantities imported - 57.61 %, shares quite low for Africa and Oceania - 0.62 % and 0.08 %, the rest of the continental units not exceeding 30.0 % (respectively 26.42 % and 15.27 % America and Asia); imports accounted for about 4 % of total world production of tomatoes (average 2009-2011); The European Union is a leading brands worldwide, surpassing the situation of most continents - 43,76 % (17,06 % of total production); Romania constitutes a "normal" operator, achieving 0.75 % of total worldwide imports. When analyzing the export situation can be observed the following: Europe remains, as in the case of imports, the main player on the market (39.13 %), but the situation is balanced in favor of Asia 28.12 %, while for America - 25.88 % the situation is similar (as a percentage) with the existing imports (same observation applies to Oceania - 0.08 %); Africa manages to significantly increase the share in the exports (6.79%) for imports compared to the situation; the world's total exports is about 4.5 % of the total tomato production; European Union held 37.0% of total world exports of tomatoes amount representing approximately 12 % of their production; Romania achieved 0.02% of world exports of tomatoes and the indicator has an upward trend for analyzed period, something beneficial especially given that oscillating evolves of imports (approximately 1.81 % of the national total production - negative aspect);