Southeastern Anatolia Grain Exports Surpass $1.8 Billion: Asia-Focused New Strategy

Southeastern Anatolia region exported 2.227 million 770 tons of grain, pulses, oilseeds, and processed products between January and June. The sector recorded growth of 3.5% in quantity and 3.6% in value.

Sunflower Oil Leads Exports ## The top exported product was sunflower oil, which saw a 23.1% increase to $392.592 million. Pasta and sweets/biscuits/waffles followed with $328.022 million and $190.951 million, respectively.

Iraq and the Middle East Dominate ## By country, Iraq led with $418.551 million in exports. The US came in second with $202.485 million, followed by Djibouti with $177.665 million.

Africa and America Markets ## By region, the Middle East accounted for $726.038 million, Africa $651.224 million, and the Americas $261.810 million in exports.

China and Asia Strategy ## Celal Kadooğlu, Chairman of the Southeastern Anatolia Grain Pulses Oilseeds and Processed Products Exporters' Association, highlighted the region's focus on Asia. China's 1.4 billion population and status as the world's second-largest agricultural importer make it a priority market. Turkey's exports to Asia and Oceania remain at 5-6%, pointing to significant growth potential.

Future of Trade Expansion ## Kadooğlu noted that trade expansion in China will support deeper market penetration in other key Asian economies, further strengthening the region's export performance.

Southeastern Anatolia's grain exports are increasingly focused on Asia. Demand growth in China and other Asian economies is reshaping the region's export strategies, creating new opportunities for Turkey's agricultural exports.