With a 26% decrease in export volume, industry leaders warn of a downturn reaching 1980s levels and call for urgent policy reforms in 2026.
Türkiye, the world’s leading hazelnut producer, saw a significant contraction in its export performance throughout 2025. According to data released by Hasan Osman Sabır, Chairman of the Black Sea Hazelnut and Products Exporters’ Association (KFMİB), the country generated $2.25 billion from hazelnut sales between January 1 and December 31, 2025.
While the revenue figure remains substantial, a year-on-year comparison reveals a worrying trend for the sector. In 2024, Türkiye exported 323,244 tons of hazelnuts, earning $2.64 billion. By contrast, 2025 saw export volumes fall to 238,704 tons. This represents a sharp decline of 84,540 tons (26.15%) in volume and a $380.5 million (14.44%) loss in value.
Alarming Figures for the 2025–2026 Season The downturn is even more pronounced when looking at the current 2025–2026 export season, which began on September 1. In the first four months of the season (September–December 2025), Türkiye sold only 64,711 tons of hazelnuts, bringing in $796 million.
Chairman Sabır emphasized that these seasonal figures have regressed to levels not seen since the 1980s. The industry attributes this decline to several factors, including:
- Climate Impacts: Erratic weather patterns and frost damage affecting crop yield and quality.
- Production Costs: Rising inflation and energy costs in Türkiye impacting the competitive pricing of exporters.
- Pest Challenges: Ongoing issues with the brown marmorated stink bug affecting kernel quality in the Black Sea region.
A Call for Strategic Intervention in 2026 The sharp contraction has triggered calls for a total overhaul of the country’s hazelnut policies. Sabır stressed that the current trajectory is unsustainable for both producers and exporters. “There is an urgent need for new and comprehensive policies to be implemented in 2026 to address the structural challenges facing the sector,” he stated in his written evaluation.
Experts suggest that for Türkiye to maintain its global dominance—currently supplying nearly 70% of the world’s hazelnuts—it must focus on sustainable farming practices, pest control intensification, and financial support mechanisms to shield exporters from currency volatility.
Citations & References
- KFMİB (Black Sea Hazelnut and Products Exporters’ Association): Official 2025 Year-End Export Performance Report (Published Jan 2026).
- Anadolu Agency (AA): “Türkiye’nin fındık ihracatı 2025’te 2,2 milyar dolar oldu” (January 6, 2026).
- Hürriyet Daily News: “Hazelnut sales generate over $2.2 billion in 2025” (Trade report coverage).
- International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC): Global hazelnut production and origin comparison reports for 2025.
