Turkey's $5.8 Billion Grain and Legume Exports
Hakan Çelik
Turkey sold 5 million 290 thousand 36 tons of products to 212 countries and free zones between January and June. Turkish grain exporters earned $5 billion 847 million 514 thousand from these exports. The most exported product was sunflower seeds with $663 million 938 thousand, followed by chocolate and cocoa products with $500 million 781 thousand, and sweet biscuits and wafers with $489 million 517 thousand. In terms of country groups, the most exports were made to the Middle East with $1 billion 790 million 778 thousand, Africa with $1 billion 475 million 197 thousand, and the European Union with $720 million 875 thousand. On a country basis, Iraq was the top with $701 million 952 thousand, followed by the US with $457 million 715 thousand, and Syria with $280 million 911 thousand. TİM Hububat, Bakliyat, Yağlı Tohumlar ve Mamulleri Sektör Kurulu Başkanı Nihat Uysallı stated that the gradual normalization in the Strait of Hormuz has alleviated the crisis in food trade. He also mentioned that Turkey has managed to cope with the global cost-supply balance thanks to its high domestic production. According to Uysallı, 'The developments such as the 'Super El Nino' wave, which raises concerns about drought in a wide geography, have started to pull down the global wheat and rice production expectations below the record levels of the previous year. The table in front of us indicates a new era where food trade is no longer just a matter of commodity pricing, but also requires supply chain flexibility and ecosystem partnerships, and where new-generation consumers demand health, sustainability, and functional benefits together, imposing strict standards on market models. Thanks to the high harvest, our external procurement strategy for the 2026-27 season will be limited to covering the high-protein, high-quality raw material needs of our flour and pasta industry.' Uysallı emphasized that Turkey will continue to be an indispensable hub for global food supply security and high-quality processed food trade.
Turkey's Increasing Influence in Global Food Trade
As a global player in food trade, Turkey has shown significant growth recently. The country continues to play a crucial role in global food supply security by increasing its exports. The statements of TİM Hububat, Bakliyat, Yağlı Tohumlar ve Mamulleri Sektör Kurulu Başkanı Nihat Uysallı reveal Turkey's strategic position and future goals in food trade.
The Future of Food Trade: Turkey's Role
The future of food trade is shaped by global supply-demand imbalances, supply chain flexibility, and the demands of new-generation consumers. As a significant player in this field, Turkey continues to contribute to global food supply security with high-quality and sustainable standards. The increase in its exports has strengthened Turkey's position in food trade and will continue to play a vital role in global markets.