Surge in Turkish Agricultural Exports
Türkiye’s agricultural export sector is witnessing unprecedented growth in 2025, fueled by rising demand from Asian and Gulf markets. According to the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), exports of dried fruits, nuts, and organic packaged foods to countries such as the UAE, Qatar, Singapore, and South Korea have increased by over 32% compared to the same period last year.
“Our buyers in Asia and the Gulf are increasingly looking for high-quality Turkish produce,” said TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe. “The combination of competitive pricing, fast delivery, and certified organic options makes Türkiye a preferred sourcing destination.”
Notably, Turkish producers have leveraged global trends toward healthy diets, organic consumption, and traceable supply chains. Products like dried apricots from Malatya, figs from Aydın, and pistachios from Gaziantep are especially in demand among premium buyers in Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Strategic Partnerships and Export Deals
Several Turkish companies have finalized long-term supply agreements with Asian and Gulf retailers in 2025. For example, Malatya-based Notus Organics signed a two-year deal with a Singaporean distributor to provide organic dried fruits and natural snack bars. Similarly, an Istanbul-based tomato paste producer secured a partnership with a UAE-based supermarket chain to supply 500 tons of packaged paste monthly.
“We value Türkiye’s consistent quality and production capacity,” said Lee Min-Jae, procurement manager at a Seoul-based importer. “It allows us to meet growing consumer demand in our markets while maintaining international quality standards.”
Export Growth Driven by Logistics and Free Zones
Türkiye’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East enables exporters to serve multiple markets efficiently. Companies are increasingly utilizing logistics hubs in Mersin, Izmir, and Istanbul, as well as organized industrial zones with tax incentives to streamline shipping and reduce costs.
Abdullah Demir, export manager at Demir Home & Food Supplies, noted: “The expansion of free trade zones and logistics infrastructure has been a game-changer for Turkish exporters. Our clients in Asia now receive shipments within 7–10 days, which is significantly faster than alternatives in competing countries.”
Industry Analysts Highlight Sustainability Trends
Experts emphasize that sustainability and traceability are critical for foreign buyers. Turkish exporters increasingly adopt organic certification, eco-friendly packaging, and energy-efficient processing to attract premium buyers in Europe, Asia, and the Gulf.
“Buyers are willing to pay a premium for products that meet international sustainability standards,” said Dr. Ceyda Demirtaş, agricultural economist at Bilkent University. “Türkiye has a competitive edge in offering high-quality, traceable, and certified agricultural products.”
These developments underscore Türkiye’s potential as a reliable and diversified supplier of agricultural products to global markets. With continued investments in infrastructure, quality assurance, and export promotion, Türkiye is solidifying its role as a key player in the international agri-food supply chain.
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