THE GLOBAL WINDOW OF TURKISH FOOD AND AGRICULTURE The Global Window of Turkish Food and Agriculture Sector
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Selami İleri, Secretary General of Turkish Association of Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers (TARMAKBİR) said that the agricultural machinery industry aims to export 1.4 billion dollars this year.
İleri said, “The figures we have as of the end of August indicate a growth of 34 percent. We can say that this is a new record. The agricultural machinery industry has done a very good job during the new type of coronavirus (Covid-19) process.”
“OUR GOAL IS TO BE AMONG THE TOP 10 COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD”
Pointing out that agriculture has gained serious momentum in the recent period, İleri explained, “We had a very good season last year. Exports are one of the things we take pride in. Years ago, the industry found it difficult to export 100 million dollars. Currently, we have exceeded the level of 1 billion dollars. As of 2020, we had an export of 1 billion 80 million dollars. Last year, Turkey took 15th place in the ranking of countries. We were in the 40th place years ago. The figures we have as of the end of August indicate a growth of 34 percent. We can say that this is a new record. Our goal is to be among the top 10 countries in the world. What we want is to penetrate into the giants league with France, Germany, Italy and the USA.”
“WE SHOULD FOCUS ON VALUE-ADDED EXPORT”
Underlining that the industry exports to 130 countries, Selami İleri added, “Our prediction for the industry this year was 20 percent growth. We were estimating that we would catch 1.3 billion dollars, but now we aim to reach 1.4 billion dollars.”
Referring to the fact that tractors account for half of the export and agricultural equipments for the other half, İleri stated that the export ranking in tractors is at a good level and they are trying to get hold of the same point in agricultural tools.
Indicating that significant sales are made to Italy and the USA, especially in tractor exports, İleri noted, “2 out of every 3 tractors sold go to the USA and Italy. The market is wider in equipment. We export to many countries, including neighbouring countries, Africa and the Middle East. With the pandemic, there is a significant boost in exports to Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Iraq.”
Reminding that the unit kilogramme value is around 12 dollars in Germany and around 4.6 dollars in Turkey, İleri concluded, “We do not make value-added export. We need to give more weight to this area.”
