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The increase in shipments in July was highlighted by Veysel Memiş, Chairman of the Mediterranean Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds and Products Exporters' Association (AHBİB). In comparison to the same month last year, exports rose by 57 percent in July. As a result, July's export revenue was accorded at 166.1 million dollars.

Turkey made the highest exports to Iraq, Canada, and Yemen in July. Chairman Veysel Memiş mentioned that they have achieved record increases of up to 50 times in the markets of Benin, Tunisia, Canada, and Ukraine.

Turkey's Multifaceted Promotion Attack in the Export Market

We can say that Turkey, which has made a name for itself in the production market, starts its advertisement first with its people. It follows a versatile promotion strategy, especially since it wants to move toward different product ranges and reach a new level in the export market.

Memiş stated that they wanted to add new elements to their knowledge portfolio in agriculture. Memiş said that they accelerated the work on this subject. He continued:

“Our goals are quite high. While taking steps to strengthen our corporate identity to achieve these goals, we will also focus on effective promotional activities that will strengthen the competitiveness of our members."

He claimed that their main objective is to at least triple the region's exports, which totaled $1.57 billion last year. He further stated that initiatives would be taken to more than double Turkey's current export proportion of 17%.

Export Goals of Turkey

Memiş highlighted the goals during the meeting and said they would increase attendance at international marketing fairs and erect information booths. He underlined that production would always be important and that exports would continue by introducing the production and the manufacturer.

Memiş also stated that they created the corporate logo of the union, which strongly supports Turkey's exports of grains, pulses, and oilseeds. He also shared some good news. They started to prepare promotional videos in various versions and languages regarding the services and activities of the Union. He underlined that in this way, Turkey would develop even more.

President Memiş continued his words as follows:

"Our promotional film, which reflects the position of our association in the Turkish cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and products sector and its role in exports, will be presented at the fairs we attend. It will be presented to the public on social media platforms as well as at national and international events."

Turkey's Exports to Countries by Products in July

Turkey's agricultural and food exports attract attention in July. In July, the region's exports—especially red lentils—accounted for 23% of total exports. Veysel Memiş announced the products exported in July and the countries they export to.

Turkey's most exported pulses varieties increased by 38 percent in July. Thus, it took first place with a value of 47.6 million dollars. In addition, pastry products ranked second with a value of 32.7 million dollars, an increase of 68 percent. Vegetable oils with the highest increase of 202 percent are in third place. Its sales were $28.8 billion.

Most Exported Product was Red Lentils

Veysel Memiş also shared data about the most exported product.

“The product we exported the most in all product groups in the seventh month of the year was red lentils. Red lentils, which reached a value of 37.8 million dollars with an increase of 604 percent in this period, constituted 23 percent of our regional exports.“

The data for exports for July by country are also announced. The highest export values were reached in Iraq, Canada, and Yemen markets. Exports to Iraq were 53.4 million dollars with an increase of 81 percent. Sales of 14 million dollars were made to Canada with an increase of 2 thousand 904 percent. Exports to Yemen amounted to 11 million dollars with an increase of 322 percent.

In addition to these, Memiş also mentioned:

"In the mentioned month, we had the best export volume performance in the markets of Benin, Tunisia, Canada, and Ukraine. Sales to Benin increased by 4,989 percent to $2.2 million. Additionally, exports to Tunisia totaled 1.4 million dollars, up 4,776 percent, while exports to Canada totaled 14 million dollars, up 2,904 percent. Additionally, we increased our exports to Ukraine by 1,362 percent, totaling 4.1 million dollars."

As AHBB, they realized 1.1 billion dollars in exports during the January–July 2022 period, a 36.5 percent increase over the same period the previous year, according to chairman Veysel Memiş.

The Future of Exports

He drew attention to the fact that the rise of the region in exports will increase gradually, especially with the promotions prepared in different languages. He underlined that they believe that they will announce the year-end data with enthusiasm when they announce this report. Memiş stated that the balance between export and production will be carried forward with multi-faceted promotional moves.

Based on the data announced and the innovations made in the field of agriculture, Turkey will progress in production and export day by day. Especially with the effect of digitalization, both the manufacturer will be recognized and the products will come to the fore. Interactive events, promotional films, and many other developments will give Turkey an advantage in the export market.

Interfresh Eurasia is a fair whose purpose is to connect Vegetable & Fruit, logistics, and packaging companies, associations, and ministries with foreign buyers and customers. 

This year, 160 international investors and customers from 16 different countries and numerous Turkish exporters will participate in Interfresh Eurasia. It will be held for the third time in Antalya Anfaş between October 20-22 2022.

Aegean Exporters' Associations Deputy Coordinator and Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters' Association President Hayrettin Uçak held a press conference. The General Manager of ANTEXPO, the organizer of the Interfresh Eurasia Fair, has also participated in the conference. Hayrettin Uçak gave important information on the fresh fruit and vegetable industry and the future of the sector, including Turkey’s import numbers during the press conference.

Germany Received the Highest Import

Uçak stated that there had been a growth in the export of fresh fruit and vegetables. He declared that exports increased to 551 million dollars in the first 6 months of 2022. It is an increase of 9 percent compared to the same period of the previous year. "We closed last year with 1 billion 182 million dollars of exports. If our 6-month increase momentum continues, I believe we will increase our exports to 1 billion 300 million dollars at the end of this year, and to one and a half billion dollars at the end of 2023, the 100th year of our Republic," said Uçak. 

The list of countries with the highest exports of fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, and goods, is quite extensive. Germany takes the top spot, with a demand for fresh fruits and vegetables of 93 million dollars. The USA ranks second with 87 million dollars, and Russia comes in third with 65 million dollars.

Agricultural Entrepreneurship Training Program

The Third Generation Agricultural Entrepreneurship Training Program, which started in March, graduated its first students. It is a comprehensive training program covering the necessary processes for sustainable agriculture. 40 young entrepreneurs in their final year of college or who have just graduated were a part of this project.

The Fruit and Vegetable Products Subcommittee was established with seven members for this project. According to President Hayrettin Uçak, youth and agriculture have a significant impact on Turkey's long-term growth. During the training, several stunning and creative concepts and projects were developed, and some of these projects were evaluated. President also stated that participants who completed this six-week agricultural entrepreneurship program were more conscious of agriculture. He added that they would eventually help to benefit Turkey. 

Hayrettin Uçak claimed that improvements had been made to each link in the chain, from manufacturing to storage to transportation and consumption, for an exceptionally long time. Hayrettin Uçak stated that their objective is to innovate in order to boost their exports while at the same providing solutions to industry-specific challenges. “The bridge built between our youth and our industry will increase sustainability in agriculture and serve as the foundation for the development of solutions,’’ he added. "Combating pesticides, reducing food waste, and controlled agriculture are our focus areas. We develop new initiatives and pay significant attention to this process in order to ensure developments in these areas."

The Agricultural Future of Turkey is Bright

A comprehensive training program that covers the procedures required for long-term sustainable agriculture was offered to young people through the Third Generation Agricultural Entrepreneurship Training Program. The program's subject included a wide range of innovative and extremely essential agricultural topics. Studies to lower carbon footprints were also included in the training, making this program very important for the future of nature.

Hayrettin Uçak claimed that through mastering the EU Green Agreement, global certification procedures, the shift in demand across the globe, and sustainable production-consumption, they were attempting to achieve the new Turkey, which has the essential up-to-date capabilities. As a result of this long-term and extensive training, Turkey will become a leader in agriculture with its innovative thinking. 

The information gathered at the press conference indicates that Turkey's agriculture industry is open to development and that new steps are being taken every day in order to meet current and future needs. Having achieved a success of 1 billion dollars in the export of fresh fruits and vegetables, Turkey is getting closer to achieving its long-term targets.

Turkey is among the best exporters in the region and the leading exporters in the world in the agricultural sector. Grains and legumes have an important place in world trade as they are the main food sources of humanity. In particular, cereals are the food group that has been cultivated for centuries, which has strategic importance in the world. Wheat, corn, rice, barley, oats, and rye are the most consumed and important cereals.

Cereals are in the first place in agricultural production in the world. Legumes take second place after cereals. Just like cereals, legumes are a food group with a very high value in terms of protein that people need most. Thanks to its fertile lands, Turkey has an important status in the production and export of cereals and legumes. Turkey's export rates in this sector are increasing every year.

Significant Increase in Exports of Cereals and Pulses

Export rates for July 2022 were announced by the Istanbul Cereals, Pulses, Oil Seeds, and Products Exporters' Association (IHBIR). According to the announced data, the export rates of the Turkish cereals sector significantly increased compared to the same period of the previous year. IHBIR's exports in July increased by 22.4% compared to the same month of the previous year and reached 181.5 million dollars.

The exports of the cereals sector in Turkey in July increased by 31.6% compared to the same month of the previous year. Also, the export value reached 844.9 million dollars. In addition, Turkey's exports in the January-July period increased by 31.4% and reached 6 billion 258 million dollars.

The Highest Demand for the Cereals Industry Came from the USA

Iraq, the USA, and Algeria were the countries to which the cereals sector exported the most in July, respectively. As well as, the countries to which IHBIR realized the most exports in July were the USA, Yemen, and Iraq, respectively. A significant increase was observed in exports to Yemen. According to the data, 14.2 million dollars worth of exports were realized with an increase of 498.5%. Finally, exports to Iraq amounted to 13.2 million dollars with a decrease of 9% compared to the same month of the previous year. 

When the annual export rates are analyzed, the countries to which IHBIR exports the most are the USA, Iraq, and Germany, respectively. Grains and pulses 305.4 million dollars were exported to the USA, which ranks first. Iraq followed the USA with 204.1 million dollars. Finally, grains and pulses worth 112 million dollars were exported to Germany.

Convenience Food Takes the First Place in Exports

When the data announced by İHBİR is analyzed on the basis of goods groups, the highest export was realized in convenience food with 44.3 million dollars. Sugar and sugar products take second place with 41.7 million dollars. Pastry products are in third place with an export value of 30.1 million dollars.

In the first seven months of 2022, the country with the highest import in the grain sector in Turkey was Iraq with 1 billion 251 million dollars. The USA followed Iraq with $380.6 million. Finally, Syria ranks third with an import value of 320.3 million dollars.

Export Rates Continue to Increase in the Grain Sector

In July 2022, the product group which the Turkish grain industry exported the most was pastry products. According to the data, the export rate of pastry products increased by 17.1% compared to the same month of the previous year. Exports amounted to 2 billion 429 million. Pastry products were followed by milling products with an export value of 1.87 billion. Vegetable oil products ranked third with 1.58 billion dollars.

Exports in the grain sector to EU member states were 54.6 million dollars in July 2022. Also, in the first seven months of 2022, exports to the same countries amounted to 552.6 million dollars.

Kazım Taycı Made a Statement on Export Rates

Kazım Taycı, Chairman of the Board of İHBİR, made statements about the increasing export rates. Taycı stated that although there are factors that will adversely affect export rates and endorsement. However,  IHBIR's monthly growth trend continues to rise every month as of the fifth month of 2021. Due to the Russia-Ukraine War, the production of many products in the cereals and pulses sector was prohibited. Taycı underlined that despite this negative situation, İHBİR did not lose its upward trend.

“One of the most important reasons for this growing trend is that Turkey's change in logistics and supply chains is in favor of Turkey. Manufacturers and exporters in Turkey should aim to be permanent in every country where they sell their products. In order to support this, the distribution channels of the exported countries should be well determined. In addition, it is necessary to learn how to sell products and how to address different channels. At the moment, Turkey should not lose the advantage it has gained in the supply chain.” said Taycı.

Taycı added, “We follow the export strategy to distant countries. Regarding this, we are in negotiations for several new fairs in South America. At the same time, we are planning fairs in several different countries in the Far East. Lastly, our goal is to realize more widespread, and value-added exports.

The interest in the cosmetics sector is growing globally with each passing year. The world's need for cosmetics is particularly influenced by the Turkish cosmetics sector. Notably, the cosmetics industry in Turkey grows by a factor of ten on average every year.

Products such as natural soaps, shampoos, other hair care products, and hair dyes stand out in the sector. There is a global orientation without categorical gender differences. Particularly during the pandemic period, the extra care given to personal care has increased the interest in the cosmetics sector. Thus the demand for natural soaps and care products.

The Cosmetics Sector Report was created by the Ministry of Commerce. The majority of international corporations engaged in the cosmetics industry, based on the analysis from this research, manufacture in Turkey. Additionally, it conducts its marketing operations in Turkey. Through joint ventures and license agreements, several international investors in the sector continue to produce.

Turkish Cosmetics Industry Realizes Ten Percent Growth Every Year

The market for cosmetics and personal care items expands by an average of 10% annually, depending on Turkey's economic progress. Natural cosmetics and personal care items make up about 5% of the industry, according to estimates. This circumstance demonstrates parallels to the global market.

While hair care products have the largest share in the sector, shampoos make up about 59 percent of hair care products. In addition, shaving products, depilatory products, bath and shower products, and hand soaps are among the most produced products among personal care products. Moreover, lip and eye make-up materials, deodorants and antiperspirant products, perfumes, colognes, and baby care products draw attention as the main products.

In recent years, the sector in Turkey has begun to develop natural soaps, shampoos, other hair care products, hair dyes, skin care products, body care products, and other natural cosmetics. Many small-scale businesses all around the nation produce soap and shampoo, particularly natural soap. Turkey produces a lot of well-known laurel and olive oil soaps.

Especially in the Aegean Region laurel and olive production is very intense. Thus, the production is supported by the government as the demand for natural soap increases. Additional support for the supply of production tools or rules for the protection of olive trees has been increased.

Turkey has great economic power in the production and export market. This power takes its inspiration from the demands of the consumer as well as from the global consciousness change. Particularly during the pandemic, the interest shown by people has been a breakthrough in terms of demonstrating Turkey's success in the cosmetics sector.

World Class Production Increases Demands

The quality of Turkish cosmetics and personal care products has begun to match international norms. Nowadays, many businesses hold "ISO 14001 Certificates" and "ISO 9000 Quality System Certificates."

Turkish cosmetics and personal care product producers also keep up with the most recent environmental advancements on a national and worldwide level. The Ministry of Health is continuing to align the new European Union Cosmetics Regulation with the country's Cosmetic Law as it is being done with the EU Cosmetics Directive.

The "ISO 22716 Standard" is required for cosmetic production facilities. The aforementioned rule also requires businesses that export cosmetics to EU nations to record their product details in the EU Commission Notification Portal System.

Shaping the production according to the standards has led to the revival of the Turkish cosmetics industry. Saving product information on the portal is especially important for consumers who evaluate vegan options and those who want to import.

Turkey's Cosmetics Export Is Also Reviving

In the report, the figures regarding the foreign trade in Turkey's cosmetics sector were also announced. Accordingly, exports to the cosmetics industry continue to increase over the years. The export in question increased by 17% last year compared to the previous year. It amounted to 1.1 billion dollars. In 2021, shaving and deodorant products and beauty/make-up products had the largest share in Turkey's cosmetics sector exports with 24 percent.

The Turkish cosmetics industry has exported to approximately 199 countries. This number is very valuable on a global basis. Last year, 10.5% of the sector's exports were to Iraq, 8.5% to the USA, and 5.3% to Iran.

Within the scope of the TİM 2023 Export Strategy, the 2023 export target of the cleaning and cosmetic products and soap industry was announced as 3.3 billion dollars.

One of the biggest reasons for the growth of the cosmetics industry in Turkey and the world is social media. Some experts even call it the "selfie economy". Because people were intertwined with technology and photography during the crisis, they turned to the cosmetics industry. As a result, the Turkish cosmetics industry is getting more and more famous with both the reputation of the Turkish cosmetics industry and the effects of the pandemic. Therefore, expectations for 2023 are quite high.

Germany is one of the most significant markets for Turkey's exports. It broke a record in the first seven months of 2022 in the demand for Turkish products. Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) shared recent export data. Turkey's exports to Germany reached the highest January-July export rate of all time with 11 billion 121 million dollars. Therefore, Germany continued to be the market to which Turkey exports the most. Turkey's exports to Germany increased by 12.4% in the seven months of 2022, year over year. Also, Germany's rate for Turkey's exports was 7.7%.

Other prominent countries in Turkey's exports are as follows. Germany was followed by the USA with 8 billion 485 million dollars and the United Kingdom with 7 billion 108 million dollars. Italy followed with 6 billion 723 million dollars and Iraq with 5 billion 575 million dollars. Turkey's exports increased by 24.6% to the USA, 2.4% to the UK, 15% to Italy, and 23.1% to Iraq.

Sectors with the Most Exports to Germany

In the first seven months of 2022, the automotive industry made the most exports to Germany with 2 billion 505 million dollars. The automotive industry was followed by ready-to-wear and garments with 2 billion 189 million dollars. Ferrous and non-ferrous metals came second with 1 billion 271 million dollars. Chemicals products followed with 809 million 510 thousand dollars. Finally, the electronics sector came with 763 million 672 thousand dollars.

The least exported products to Germany belong to the olive oil sector with 23 million and 320 thousand dollars. Ornamental plants and products follow with 9 million 389 thousand dollars and tobacco with 5 million 320 thousand dollars. Other industrial products follow with 5 million 310 thousand dollars and ship yachts and services with 4 million 131 thousand dollars.

A Rapid Increase in the Iron Exports

The highest increase in exports to Germany was realized in the ferrous and non-ferrous metals sector with 439 million 96 thousand dollars. This sector was followed by ready-to-wear and garments with 295 million 937 thousand dollars. Steel came second with 123 million 24 thousand dollars. Chemical products followed with 103 million 857 thousand dollars. Finally, machinery and accessories came with 72 million 485 thousand dollars.

In the first seven months of 2022, exports to Germany realized 523 million 626 thousand dollars in the steel industry. Also, 577 million 488 thousand dollars was earned in machinery and sub-industry.

The exports of the fresh fruit and vegetable sector to Germany decreased to 153 million 53 thousand dollars. In addition, the exports of the hazelnut and its products sector decreased to 235 million 636 thousand dollars.

Importance of Germany in Turkey's Exports

The value and rate of exports from Turkey to Germany continue to increase every year. This situation shows that Germany is a very important trade partner for Turkey. According to the current data from the World Bank, Germany has the fourth largest economy in the world. It is also the largest economy in the EU with a GDP of $4.0 trillion dollars. Germany-Turkey relations have a long history and Germany is one of Turkey's most important allied countries in terms of politics, economy, and military.

Germany ranks first among the countries to which Turkey exports the most.  Thanks to the Customs Union allocated between Turkey and the EU in 1996, exports and imports are realized with the principle of free movement of goods. Germany has been an important trade partner for Turkey for many years. Moreover, Turkey's export rate to Germany continues to increase every year.

Turkey exports goods and products to Germany with over 5000 companies or organizations. There is a wide range of exported product groups such as textile and garment, food sector and agricultural products are among the exported sectors.

Most Exported Product Groups

About 80% of exports to Germany consist of industrial products, and about 20% consist of agricultural and mining products. While machinery, clothing, and transportation vehicles are among the industrial products, the main products in agricultural exports are tobacco products and fruits and vegetables.

Furthermore, an important pillar of their economic relations is undoubtedly foreign direct investments. According to the statements of Dr. Markus C.Slevogt, President of the German-Turkish Chamber of Commerce and Industry,  there are approximately eight thousand German-based companies operating in Turkey and employing 140 thousand people. The most important among them are Mercedes, Siemens, Volkswagen, Bosch, and Hugo Boss. According to 2022 data, Germany has a direct investment of 19.4 billion dollars in Turkey. This amount constitutes 14% of the foreign direct investment in Turkey. 

Finally, exports to Germany have been considerably increasing in recent years. The high level of economic and commercial relations with Germany, one of the largest economies in the world, is very important for Turkey.  

In the first seven months of 2022, the agricultural group realized exports worth 18 billion 790 million dollars. With this export rate, agricultural products broke the record by carrying out the highest January-July export in the history of the Republic.

According to the data shared by the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM), Turkey's exports increased by 19.1% in the first seven months of 2022 compared to the same period of 2021. Also, foreign exchange inflow reached 144 billion 416 million dollars.

Importance of Agricultural Products in Export

In the first seven months of 2022, exports worth 18 billion 790 million dollars were realized in the agricultural group. This rate was a remarkable success as the highest January-July export in the history of the Republic. Turkey's agricultural exports increased by 20,4% in the seven months of the year compared to the same period of the previous year. The ratio of agricultural products exports to total exports was 13%.

One of the most important reasons for the increase in export rates for agricultural products was the Russia-Ukraine War. Negative events stemming from the Russia-Ukraine War and disruptions in supply chains adversely affected the export of agricultural products. As a matter of fact, Turkey, which has an important role in the agricultural sector, increased its export rate in the agricultural sector with bilateral agreements to close the gap in the market.

Records Broken in Exports of Five Sectors

In the January-July period, cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and their products exported 6.3 billion dollars and fruit and vegetable products exported 1.3 billion dollars. Dried fruits and products exported 829.8 million dollars and aquaculture and animal products exported 2.4 billion dollars. Lastly, furniture, and paper and forest products made the highest January-July exports of all time with 4.7 billion dollars.

Compared to the same period of the previous year, in the first seven months of the year in 2022, cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and products exports increased by 31.4%. Fruit and vegetable products exports increased by 20.9%, dried fruits, and products by 9.8% and water and animal products by 32.1%. Finally, furniture, paper, and forestry products exports increased by 27.3%.

Provinces with the Most Exports 

When the data are analyzed based on provinces, it is observed that the most exports in agriculture sub-sectors are realized by companies based in Istanbul. While Istanbul-based companies stood out in cereals, aquaculture and animal products, furniture, paper, forest products, and fruit-vegetable products, Izmir-based companies ranked high in dried fruits and products.

Among the top five exporting cities in July 2022, are Istanbul, Kocaeli, Izmir, Bursa, and Ankara.

The Most Demand for Agricultural Products Came From Iraq

Iraq was the country with the highest demand for agricultural products, which is a record-breaking sector in exports. Therefore, Iraq retained its leading market position in Turkey's agricultural exports. Exports to Iraq amounted to 1.3 billion dollars in cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and their products, 455.1 million dollars in water and animal products, and 553.2 million dollars in furniture, paper, and forest products.

A significant increase was observed in the sectors exported to Iraq compared to the same period of the previous year. Grains, pulses, oil seeds, and their products increased by 61.6%, water and animal products increased by 63.3%, and furniture, paper, and forest products increased by 8.4%.

Another country that is as important as Iraq in Turkey's exports is the USA market. In the first seven months of 2022, exports of fruit and vegetable products amounting to 198.4 million dollars were made to the USA. Exports to the USA in the fruit and vegetable products sector increased by 48%. Dried fruits and products were exported to Germany with a gain of 108.5 million dollars.

Export Rates for July 2022

Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) shared the data for July 2022. An increase of 13.4% was observed in exports compared to the same period of the previous year. On the other hand, exports of 18.6 billion dollars were realized.

In July, Turkey exported to 217 countries and regions, delivering Turkish-made products all over the world. In addition, the rate of exports to 147 countries and regions increased. Germany was the country with the highest amount of exports at 1.49 billion dollars. Germany was followed by the United States with 1.32 billion dollars. Finally, the United Kingdom came with 1.02 billion dollars.

The export share of the top ten countries was recorded as 47.2%.

Exports to the EU countries have a 7.35 billion dollar value. Exports increased by 5.2% compared to the same period of the previous year. On the other hand, exports to the Middle East increased by 19.3% to 3.13 dollar billion.

In July, the sector with the highest exports was chemicals and products. Also, the exports of this sector increased by 51.4% compared to the same period of the previous year. The chemicals and products sector was followed by the automotive and garment sector.