The grain, pulses, oilseeds, and products sector recorded exports totaling 4.8 billion dollars in the first five months of the year. Sunflower oil, chocolate and cocoa products, pasta, biscuits and wafers, confectionery varieties, and wheat flour were among the leading items in the export basket.
While the sector's export volume decreased by 15.5% compared to the same period last year, the decline in value was recorded at 7.1%. Nevertheless, strong performance continued in some product groups.
Sunflower Oil Tops Export Revenue
Among product groups, sunflower oil generated the highest export revenue. Sunflower oil exports increased by 16.8% compared to the same period last year, reaching 551.3 million dollars.
This increase indicated sustained external demand for certain key products despite the overall decline in volume and value across the sector. In particular, vegetable oils remained one of the decisive items in sector exports.
Decline in Iraq Affects Middle East Market
Exports to Iraq, totaling 560.2 million dollars, fell by 28%. This decline caused sector exports in the Middle East market to decrease by 13.8%.
Although the Middle East continues to be an important sales area for the sector, the downturn in Iraq pulled down the region's overall performance. Conversely, exports to Iran increased notably.
Exports to Iran Rise
Exports to Iran rose by 34.6% in the first five months compared to the same period last year, reaching 147.1 million dollars. Iran ranked among the top six countries in Turkey's total grain sector exports.
This situation indicated that while the sector experienced weakening in some markets, it was able to increase its share in others. A broad product range and market diversity were among the factors supporting export resilience.
Calendar Effect Limited May Performance
Nihat Uysallı, Chairman of the TİM Grain, Pulses, Oilseeds and Products Sector Board, stated that six lost working days due to calendar effects limited the monthly export performance in May. Despite this, Uysallı emphasized that the food industry maintains its strategic appeal through global competitiveness and market flexibility.
He highlighted that while global cost and volume pressures continue, one of the sector's greatest assurances this year is the expected high agricultural yield. Referring to TÜİK forecasts, he noted anticipated increases of 26.7% in wheat, 54.1% in red lentils, and 16.2% in sunflower production.
He added that these expectations could provide vital raw material supply for the flour, pasta, vegetable oil, and pulses industries. The anticipated production increase in the sector is being closely monitored for its impact on export capacity for the remainder of the year.
