Türkiye's agricultural sector marked a milestone by recording its highest annual export figures to date, reaching $36.2 billion in 2024, as reported by the Türkiye Exporters Assembly (TIM). This achievement represents a 3.3% increase from 2023, accounting for 16% of the nation's total exports. Among the agricultural subsectors, fruit and vegetable products, along with dried fruits and related products, stood out by generating $2.7 billion and $1.9 billion in exports, respectively.
In the international arena, the United States and Germany were the leading destinations for Türkiye's agricultural products. The exports of dried fruits and related products to Germany amounted to $247.3 million, whereas fruit and vegetable products to the US totaled $429.4 million. Istanbul and Izmir were the top exporting cities within Türkiye, with exports valued at $637 million and $481.6 million in their respective categories.
Melisa Tokgoz Mutlu, Chair of the Istanbul Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters' Association, highlighted Türkiye's role as a reliable and sustainable supplier in the face of global challenges such as climate change and food security. "With our state-of-the-art facilities and ability to produce tailored goods to meet customer demands, Türkiye is not just an affordable supplier but also a dependable and sustainable partner in global markets," Mutlu stated in an interview with Anadolu Agency. She underscored the country's focus on processing agricultural products locally to extend shelf life and reduce costs, thereby enhancing its position in fulfilling market demands.
The nation's ambition extends to achieving $40 billion in agricultural exports in the forthcoming years, with a strategy centered on sustainable growth, climate-friendly agricultural policies, and eco-friendly production methods. Türkiye aims to consolidate its presence in strategic markets such as the European Union, the Middle East, North Africa, and East Asia. "Efforts to expand the Customs Union have facilitated the export of heat-treated poultry products to EU countries in 2024," Mutlu explained, also mentioning initiatives to align with the Green Deal and improve quality standards to strengthen Türkiye's position in the EU market.
Furthermore, Mutlu pointed out the growing demand for Turkish agricultural products in various regions, including the Middle East, North Africa, and East Asia, with strategic trade agreements and promotional activities spearheaded by TIM and exporters' associations aiming to enhance the visibility of Turkish products in these markets.
At the close of 2024, Türkiye's total exports reached a historic high of $262 billion, a 2.5% increase, as announced by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The country also saw a decrease in its foreign trade deficit and recorded a rise in exports in December, further underscoring the agricultural sector's contribution to the national economy.
Source: Turkiye Today