Conditions are good in all the WPTC southern hemisphere countries where the harvest is ongoing or about to start with no major changes in forecast compared with pre-season estimates.

WPTC countries in the Southern Hemisphere

Argentina

The planted area in Argentina for the 2026 processing tomato harvest is estimated at 5,120 hectares. Under normal yield conditions, in line with the average of recent years, total production is projected at approximately 427,894 tonnes.
However, yields are likely to be closer to those achieved in the 2025 season, which recorded record yields in early and mid-season tomatoes. This outlook is supported by the fact that the most efficient producers are active this season, crops are generally in very good condition, and weather conditions have been mostly favourable.
The current season has been characterized by hot, dry, and windy conditions, with a very low incidence of hail so far. The preceding winter was mild, resulting in increased pest pressure from the beginning of the season. Spring conditions were generally normal, although strong winds complicated transplanting operations. Summer has been hot and dry, with limited rainfall and low hail incidence, which has accelerated pest cycles but at the same time improved fruit quality due to reduced disease pressure and lower weather-related damage.
Harvest began in mid-December and, according to industry planning, is expected to continue until late April. A slight advancement of harvest has been observed in fields harvested during weeks 2, 3, and 4.

Australia

A total of 1,476 ha has been planted with a combined production forecast of approximately 166,000 tonnes.
Harvest is expected to commence soon, with the early cultivars starting around 28 January. The season began with unusually cool and windy conditions, slowing early crop development. Temperatures increased to above-average levels after Christmas, with wind remaining a persistent factor.
Overall crop condition is generally good at this stage, and current volume forecasts remain achievable.

Brazil

No new data

Chile

The forecast remains unchanged compared with what was expected last October with 14,000 hectares planted with a potential yield of 100 tonnes per ha.
The harvest will start at the end of next week in the northern area near Santiago and most of the factories will start on first week of February.
The weather is hot and dry, perfect for tomato ripeness with around 30 to 35 °Celsius during the day and 15 to19 °Celsius at night.
The Chilean exports reached a good volume in 2025 with 221,000 tonnes compared with 174,000 tonnes in 2024.

Peru

The forecast remains 150,000 tonnes from 1,045 ha. Harvesting started in October and the season has been good so far.

South Africa

South Africa planned a contracted harvest of 130,000 tonnes for the 2026 season.
A 40,000 metric tonne summer crop is scheduled in the Western Cape area where deliveries were programmed to start on 15 January.
A 90,000 tonne winter crop is expected in the Limpopo area.
This gives South Africa an advantage of a 9 month production season and currently all planning is on schedule.

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