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Press release…
Southeastern Anatolian Exporters’ Associations (GAİB) took action regarding the allegations that the oils obtained from soybeans imported under the Inward Processing Regime for use in the feed sector are used in blending oils. Celal Kadooğlu, Chair of Southeastern Anatolian Cereals, Pulses, Oil Seeds and Products Exporters’ Association (GAİB), made evaluations about the rumours that GMO soybean oils, which should be used in feed production, are mixed with sunflower oils and exported by some companies.
Pointing out that Türkiye is the world leader in the export of refined sunflower oil and the importance of combating attempts that will negatively affect the reputation of strong brands operating across the country in the eyes of consumers, Kadooğlu said, “Thanks to the Inward Processing Regime, which enables imported raw materials to be processed domestically and exported, Türkiye is able to export more refined oil than Russia and Ukraine, which account for 55 percent of the world sunflower oil seed production. Our technological production infrastructure and know-how distinguish us from these countries, which sell the seeds obtained from their vast agricultural lands as crude oil abroad. However, we have started to hear that this regime, which has been meticulously carried out by the Ministry of Trade for years, has started to be abused by some segments and some companies in the refined sunflower oil sector have started to adulterate.”
“We have been hearing allegations that soybean oils, which are allowed to be imported for use in the feed sector, are used in blended oils. Soy oil and meal resulting from the processing of soybeans should only be used in the feed industry. Companies that adulterate these products by mixing them into export products both cause unfair competition by providing cost advantage and damage the reputation of our country and our brands,” Kadooğlu added.
“We have no doubt that our Ministry will take the necessary action”
Stating that if the allegations are true and these attempts cannot be prevented, Türkiye’s sunflower oil exports will be at risk in the medium and long term, Kadooğlu concluded, “Sunflower oil production is of great commercial importance for the regional economy in Southeastern Anatolia. This year, 55.7 percent of sunflower oil exports from our country were made from the Southeastern Anatolia region. As our international commercial connections develop with our initiatives, our brands in the region are becoming more known and in demand abroad. With the awareness of all these responsibilities, the General Secretariat of the Southeastern Anatolia Exporters’ Association (GAİB) has written to the Chief Directorate of Customs of the Ministry of Trade and requested that, in addition to the existing inspections, samples be taken from the containers shipped to the ports for export and that the inspections be tightened in this way. We have no doubt that our Ministry will do what is necessary in this regard. Our efforts to protect our country’s prestige in the refined sunflower oil sector, which has reached the top in the refined sunflower oil sector with the export of quality products, will continue with determination.”
