Browse Data and Analysis

Over the last decade, with investments in domestic port infrastructure and storage and owing to Turkiye’s deeper integration in regional and global trade networks, the country has become a major hub for transshipped agricultural products, such as oilseeds, grain, pulses, tree nuts, and juice.

Turkiye’s cherry production for marketing year (MY) 2024/25 is forecast down from last year’s record, but is still the third largest on the books. Despite the contraction in production, cherry exports are forecast to hit an all-time high as growers prioritize sales abroad since it’s more profitable then selling on the local market.

As of May 15, 2024, Turkiye’s Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry announced a ban on the importation of live cattle from the United States following confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) cases in some U.S. lactating dairy cows.

In early August, Turkiye announced that it will open a lower-duty quota for 1.0 million metric tons of sunflower seed or crude sunflower oil equivalent, starting from January-April of next year.

Over the last couple decades, with smaller catch volumes resulting from decades of overfishing, the Turkish seafood sector pivoted and ramped up investments in aquaculture production.

This report outlines specific requirements for importing food and agricultural products into Turkiye and should be read in conjunction with the 2024 FAIRS Export Certificate report.

Turkey published its Biosafety Law and implementing regulations in 2010. This legislation has continued to disrupt trade and Turkey’s domestic agriculture and food sectors. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is the sole authority for biotechnology approvals. The Ministry approved seven genetically engineered soybean and corn events in 2022.

Owing to favorable growing conditions and ongoing investments to improve on-farm yields, Turkey’s production and export of apples, pears, and table grapes is forecast at or near record levels in MY 2022/23. At least 80 percent of the projected production of these deciduous fruits will be consumed in Turkey, mainly as fresh fruit.