THE GLOBAL WINDOW OF TURKISH FOOD AND AGRICULTURE The Global Window of Turkish Food and Agriculture Sector
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From Anatolian Soils to World Tables; Türkiye’s Stunning Rise in Vegetable Exports!
Türkiye is taking the world markets by storm with its fresh vegetables grown in its fertile soil! The huge increase of 80 percent in vegetable exports in the last decade reveals the power and potential of the Turkish agricultural sector. From 1.7 million tonnes in 2014, our vegetable exports reached a record high of 3.1 million tonnes in 2023, according to Turkish Statistical Institute data. This enormous figure also means that 10.6 percent of Türkiye’s total vegetable production reached international buyers, reinforcing the country’s strategic importance in the global food supply chain.
Indispensable for European Union Tables: Turkish Vegetables
European Union countries played a major role in this impressive export success. In 2023, vegetable exports from Türkiye to EU countries totalled approximately 1.4 million tonnes. This figure, which constitutes 45.4 percent of Türkiye’s total vegetable exports, clearly demonstrates the trust and demand of European consumers for Turkish vegetables. Standing out with their quality, freshness and flavour, Turkish vegetables have a well-deserved reputation in the EU market.
Star of Exports Tomato!
In addition to the overall success of our vegetable exports, some products stand out with their performance. For example, in 2023, Türkiye’s total tomato exports reached a striking level of around 2 million tonnes. A remarkable 43.3 percent of these exports were made to European Union countries. Turkish tomatoes continue to be a sought-after flavour on the world’s tables.
Labour Valued in Figures: Billion Dollar Export
This volumetric increase is naturally reflected in economic data. According to the International Trade Centre (ITC) data, the total value of Türkiye’s vegetable exports in 2024 was approximately 2.47 billion dollars. This figure is the most concrete proof of how great an economic value the labour and sweat of our farmers have turned into.
So, which countries have the biggest share in this billion-dollar cake?
According to 2024 data, the value of Türkiye’s vegetable exports to Iraq is at the top with approximately 433 million dollars. Algeria, with an export value of 269 million dollars, shows that it is an important market in second place, while Germany, one of Europe’s locomotive economies, continues to be one of the key markets for Türkiye with a vegetable purchase of 183 million dollars. This diversity shows that the Turkish vegetable sector successfully responds to market demands in different geographies.
By Dr. Aladdin Ali,
Founder of Aladdin Pertanian International
