Turkey's Fishery Exports Hit Record High: Over $1 Billion in the First Half

According to the Turkish Exporters' Assembly (TİM) data, Turkey exported 128,357 tons of fishery products to 88 countries in the first half of the year. The exports in the January-June period increased by 14% compared to the same period last year, reaching $1.11 billion from $972.9 million. Thus, fishery exports exceeded the $1 billion threshold for the first time in the first half of the year, achieving the highest export revenue in the history of the Republic. The sector earned the most revenue from sea bass, with $389.1 million. This was followed by $295.8 million from sea bream and $201.8 million from Turkish trout. These three products accounted for approximately 80% of total exports. Russia was the largest export market, with $165.4 million, followed by Italy with $150.4 million and the Netherlands with $129.8 million. Ufuk Atakan Demir, Chairman of the Aegean Fishery and Animal Products Exporters' Association, stated that the sector had a successful export process. Demir noted that the demand for Turkish fishery products was intense and reflected in export figures, adding that two-thirds of the sector's exports were made by the associations. Demir emphasized that the sector aims to position itself as a reliable, sustainable, and strong brand worldwide, not just a quality product.