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July, Ankara…
Türkiye has authorized a new round of maize imports, marking the fourth such decision in recent months.
According to a Presidential decree published in the Official Gazette, up to 500,000 tonnes of corn can be imported duty-free until July 31.
This move comes just 16 days before the domestic harvest begins, sparking criticism from agricultural stakeholders.
Mehmet Akın Doğan, president of the Adana Yüreğir Chamber of Agriculture, voiced strong opposition to the timing of the decision.
“The harvest is about to start, and the Turkish Grain Board (TMO) hasn’t even announced a price. Supporting feed production by harming local farmers is unacceptable,” he said.
With this latest decree, Türkiye’s total maize import quota has reached 3.5 million tonnes.
The import permissions began in October 2024 with 1 million tonnes, followed by additional quotas of 1 million tonnes each in March and May 2025. After July 31, the customs duty on maize imports will return to 130 percent.
Former TMO General Manager and agricultural economist İsmail Kemaloğlu suggested the decision may have been influenced by demands from the poultry industry.
He, however, reassured local producers, stating, “Farmers shouldn’t worry. Due to drought-related declines in wheat and barley yields, domestic mazie prices will remain high. Corn will continue to be valuable.”
“Importing won’t depress domestic prices. The market will remain favourable for farmers. Maize producers, who are often large-scale and commercially savvy, can adapt,” he explained…
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