Anchovy exports reached 21 countries in 2025, with Belgium and France leading the market in a year of significant growth for Türkiye’s seafood sector.
Türkiye’s seafood industry continues to make waves in international markets, with anchovy exports showing robust growth throughout 2025. According to the latest official trade figures, the small but economically mighty fish generated more than $16 million in foreign currency income, reinforcing its status as a vital export commodity beyond domestic consumption.
Data covering the period from January to December 2025 reveals that Türkiye exported a total of 4,039,477 kilograms(approximately 8.9 million pounds) of anchovies to 21 countries. This export volume resulted in a total revenue of $16,172,978.
A Year-on-Year Growth Performance The 2025 performance marks a notable increase compared to the same period in 2024. In the previous year, export volumes stood at 3,353,217 kilograms with a revenue of $15,147,738. The data shows a nearly 20% increase in volume and a steady rise in value, signaling both an increase in production capacity and a sustained appetite for Turkish seafood in global kitchens.
Europe: The Primary Hub for Turkish Anchovies European nations remain the cornerstone of this trade, accounting for the largest share of exports in both volume and value. The proximity of these markets and the high standards of Turkish processing facilities have made Türkiye a preferred supplier for European retailers.
According to the destination breakdown:
- Belgium secured the top spot, importing Turkish anchovies valued at $4,787,912.
- France followed closely as the second-largest market, with imports totaling $4,594,218.
- Germany ranked third, contributing $2,207,522 to the total export revenue.
Beyond the European Union, the geographical reach of the “Hamsi” (anchovy) extended to the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, proving that Turkish seafood can meet the stringent food safety and quality regulations of diverse international markets.
Economic Outlook for 2026 The steady climb in international demand suggests that Turkish exporters are successfully leveraging modern cold-chain logistics and processing techniques. By diversifying destination countries and maintaining high quality in the “ready-to-eat” and frozen segments, the sector is well-positioned to exceed these figures in 2026. As European consumers increasingly pivot toward high-protein, omega-3-rich seafood, Türkiye’s strategic role in the global anchovy supply chain appears more secure than ever.
Citations & References
- DKİB (Eastern Black Sea Exporters’ Association): Annual seafood export data and regional breakdown for 2025.
- Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK): Foreign trade statistics for fish and crustaceans.
- Anadolu Agency (AA): “Türkiye’nin hamsi ihracatı 16 milyon doları aştı” (Reported January 2026).
