Türkiye’s agricultural exports surpassed $36.2B, setting new record

Türkiye’s agricultural sector achieved its highest annual export figures to date, reaching $36.2 billion in 2024, according to the Türkiye Exporters Assembly (TIM).

Exports in the sector rose by 3.3% compared to 2023, accounting for 16% of Türkiye’s total exports. Of the 10 agricultural subsectors, two achieved record-breaking annual export values.

Fruit and vegetable products generated $2.7 billion in exports, while dried fruits and related products contributed $1.9 billion. Exports in these categories increased by 1.2% and 0.8%, respectively, over the previous year.

US, Germany lead agricultural exports

US and Germany emerged as top exporters of Türkiye’s record-setting agricultural products in 2024. Exports of dried fruits and related products to Germany totaled $247.3 million, while fruit and vegetable products to the US reached $429.4 million.

Regionally, Istanbul led the fruit and vegetable products category with $637 million in exports, while Izmir accounted for $481.6 million in dried fruits and related exports.

‘Türkiye: A reliable and sustainable supplier’

Melisa Tokgoz Mutlu, Chair of the Istanbul Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters’ Association, emphasized Türkiye’s potential as a reliable and sustainable supplier amid global challenges like climate change and food security concerns.

“With our state-of-the-art facilities and ability to produce tailored goods to meet customer demands, Türkiye is not just an affordable supplier but also a dependable and sustainable partner in global markets,” Mutlu said in an interview with Anadolu Agency.

She highlighted Türkiye’s capacity to process agricultural products locally, extending shelf life and reducing costs, positioning the country as a key player in meeting market demands.

Mutlu also noted that the nation aims to achieve $40 billion in agricultural exports in the coming years, emphasizing the importance of sustainable growth, climate-friendly agricultural policies, and eco-friendly production methods.

Expanding presence in strategic markets

Türkiye plans to strengthen its foothold in strategic markets such as the European Union, the Middle East, North Africa, and East Asia, as the EU remains a vital market due to its size and logistical advantages, Mutlu stated.

“Efforts to expand the Customs Union have facilitated the export of heat-treated poultry products to EU countries in 2024. Additionally, ongoing initiatives to improve quality standards and align with the Green Deal will bolster our position in the EU market,” she explained.

Mutlu also highlighted the increasing demand for Turkish agricultural products in countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE in the Middle East; Algeria, Morocco, and Egypt in North Africa; and China and Japan in East Asia. Strategic trade agreements and promotional activities led by TIM and exporters’ associations aim to enhance the visibility of Turkish products in these regions, she remarked.

Türkiye’s total exports achieved a historic high at the end of 2024, reaching $262 billion with a 2.5% increase, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Jan. 3. The country’s foreign trade deficit, which was $106.3 billion in 2023, dropped to $82.2 billion, while exports in December alone rose by 2.2% to $23.5 billion, marking another record.