Azerbaijan's persimmon producers are expanding exports to Turkey, which has become a new priority destination amid declining demand in Russia, traditionally the main buyer.
According to Gadir Yusifov, head of the Azerbaijan Association of Persimmon Producers and Exporters, the 2025 harvest is larger than last year's, but sales in Russia dropped due to reduced consumer purchasing power. "Prices on the Russian market are 30–40% lower than in 2024, as people buy fewer food products, including fruit," Yusifov noted.
To offset the decline, exporters have intensified trade with Turkey. A recent trade agreement between the two countries added persimmons to the list of 15 duty- and VAT-free goods, increasing their competitiveness and opening new export opportunities.
Beyond Turkey, Azerbaijani persimmons are also shipped to Ukraine and Belarus, with plans to enter Arab and select European markets in the near future. Yusifov expressed confidence that the export geography will continue to expand in the coming years.
Harvest collection for storage facilities is set to begin shortly, ensuring a stable supply for export throughout the season.
Source: report.az
