Turkish fresh produce exports to Russia skyrocket with stabilised relations

Turkey’s fresh produce exports have been given a sizeable boost this year by the end to the conflict with Russia. In the first four months of 2018, exports climbed 25% compared to the same period in 2017, reaching US$794 million, according to the Uludag Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters’ Association (UYMSIB). In volume terms, 1.6 million tons of fresh fruit and vegetables were exported, representing a rise of 17%.

Exports to Russia rocketed by 125%, from US$90 million to $202 million. Total shipments to Russia went up by 91% to around 315,000 tons. These exports to Russia contributed 70% of Turkey’s increase in revenue in the four-month period. Exports to the EU were also up, with Turkish goods gaining access to new markets such as the Scandinavian countries.

Following a military altercation between the two countries in January 2016, Russia banned imports of Turkish fruits and vegetables including tomatoes, oranges, apples, apricots, cabbage, broccoli, mandarins, pears, peaches, cucumbers, plums, strawberries, onions, and cloves, and also poultry.