EU's Stricter Controls on Turkish Agricultural Exports: How Market Shares and Costs Are Affected?

The European Union's increased scrutiny on Turkish agricultural exports, particularly on key products like tomatoes, dried figs, and Antep pistachios, is threatening market shares and creating financial burdens for exporters. The 2025/1441 Regulation, effective since July 18, 2025, mandates that 20% of Turkish tomato exports be subject to enhanced controls, while the 2026/194 Regulation, in force since January 2026, raises the inspection rate for Antep pistachios to 50%.

■Tomato exports: Generating $400 million in revenue, but controls extend transit times and risk product recalls if residues are detected.

■Dried fig exports: Earn $369.8 million, but aflatoxin risks force a 30% inspection rate.

■Antep pistachios: With $178.2 million in exports, the 50% inspection rate due to aflatoxin concerns is particularly burdensome. The EU Commission's 2025 Alert and Cooperation Network (ACN) Report highlights Turkey as the top country for vegetable and fruit export alerts. The report criticizes Turkey's food safety policies, emphasizing the need for better pest control measures.

The EU's inspections could lead to significant losses in Turkey's agricultural exports, particularly for tomatoes and Antep pistachios. Exporters face rising costs, and alternative strategies for the European market may need to be developed to mitigate these challenges.