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Turkish Food and Beverage Industry Associations Federation (TGDF) Digital Data Panel announced the data for 2022. Accordingly, in the first six months of 2022, the agriculture, food, and beverage sector exported 12.2 billion dollars.

All GTIP items between chapters 01 to 23 and selected products from chapters 29 and 35 are included in the calculation. In the first half of 2022, the sector's foreign trade surplus decreased by 22.1 percent compared to the same period of the previous year.

Exports climbed by 19.5% in the first half of 2022 compared to the same time in the previous year. It reached $12.15 billion, according to foreign trade data released under the Special Trade System. In addition, imports rose by 31.3 percent to $10.41 billion, a record high.

The export data for the first half of 2022 is viewed favorably by the industry. In the upcoming years, it is expected that this expansion of the export industry would produce significant advantages. On the other hand, it was interesting to note that the rate of increase in imports was much higher. It is anticipated that there would be a shift in the import-export balance.

The export success of the food and beverage industry, increasing year by year, provided great prosperity this year as well. Turkey is gradually taking its rise in the food and beverage sector forward.

Foreign Trade Surplus Decreased Compared to Last Year

In the first six months of 2022, the foreign trade surplus decreased by 22.12 percent compared to the same period of the previous year. It amounted to 1.74 billion dollars. 

Although the sector maintained its net exporter position throughout the year, it fell behind the foreign trade surplus of last year in the first half of the year. The biggest reason for this is that with the effect of the pandemic, the need for the main material needs more quantities based on production. In the first months of the year, the increase in foreign trade surplus was 50 percent compared to the previous year.

In March, this rate reached 101.5 percent. The high monthly import figures of the same ratio in April, May, and especially in June, the foreign trade deficit every month in May, brought the foreign trade surplus down.

The unit export value increased by 9 percent in the first six months of 2022 compared to the same period of the previous year. It amounted to 1,162 dollars/ton. Import unit value, on the other hand, increased by 12.1% compared to the previous year. It reached 689 dollars/ton. 

Products That Gain Value in Foreign Trade

The food and beverage sector is among the sectors in which Turkey has made the most progress in terms of production. On the other hand, developments based on products increase the export rate. 

In the first six months of 2022, the prominent products in exports were flour, refined sunflower oil, and pasta, respectively. These products constituted approximately 13 percent of total exports. In June 2022, the prominent products in exports were reported as refined sunflower oil, wheat flour, and cherries.

On the other hand, in the first six months of 2022, the most imported products were wheat, soybean, and crude sunflower oil, respectively.

Prominent Sectors in Exports

Additionally, a report detailing the sector-specific review of statistics on international trade for the first half of 2022 has been released. This survey places sugar and sugar-containing items in the first place with 1.196 million dollars. Vegetable oil is in second place with 1.043 million dollars. Fresh fruit is in third place with 981 million dollars. Nuts with 938 million dollars and fisheries-fisheries sectors with 734 million dollars were listed as the most exporting sectors. 40.3 percent of total exports were realized by these 5 sectors.

In addition to the export report, the import report also has remarkable results. In the first six months of 2022, animal feed, vegetable oil, flour, and cocoa-chocolate were listed as the most imported sectors.

Additionally, sugar products are included in both export and import sectorally. The most obvious reason for this situation is the lack of order in the balance between production and demand. Sugar and sugary products have a very important place in the consumption frequency of the consumer.

Prominent Countries in Foreign Trade

Foreign trade data for the first 6 months of 2022, based on countries, were announced as the ranking of the 5 countries to which Turkey exports the most. Iraq ranks first with 1,723 million dollars, while Germany ranks second with 817 million dollars. The USA is in third place with 725 million dollars and Russia is in fourth place with 692 million dollars. The last country on the list of the top 5 countries was Italy with 381 million dollars. Exports to these 5 countries constituted 35.7 percent of total exports.

The most exported products of Turkey to Iraq were frozen chicken meat, flour and tomato paste. Hazelnut kernels, packaged hazelnuts, and cherry products were exported to Germany. Gummy jelly candies, apple juice, and soybeans were among the most exported products to the USA.

Honey is a product that has countless benefits and is loved and consumed by everyone. The rich vitamins and minerals in honey protect the immune system. Honey, which contains more than one remedy in one spoon, is recommended to be consumed in the treatment of many diseases. In addition, foods obtained from beekeeping activities; such as pollen, propolis, and royal jelly are used in the treatment of many diseases. Finally, after the Covid-19 pandemic, people's preference for natural and fortifying foods has also increased the demand for honey.

Turkey is among the leading countries in honey production and export with its developed beekeeping activities. Delicious and healthy honey produced in Turkey continues to be used in the food and cosmetics industry. Turkey, with its rich climate, is a country engaged in beekeeping activities. Beekeeping is done in high-altitude and hilly areas. As the altitude increases, the richness of the flowers increases, which increases the yield from honey production. The provinces where beekeeping activities are carried out most frequently in Turkey are Ordu, Muğla, Kars, Artvin, Çanakkale, and Adana.

Honey Exports from Turkey to Around the World

The export of honey produced from Turkey continues to increase by breaking records every year. In 2021, honey from Turkey was exported to 55 countries. 

According to the data announced in 2022, Turkey exported 9,875 tons of honey to 55 countries in 2021. The amount of foreign currency obtained in this export was announced as 30 million 498 thousand 600 dollars. In 2021, the USA was at the top of the countries that demand the most honey exports with 8 million 860 thousand 506 dollars. Germany follows the USA with 6 million 940 thousand 35 dollars and Spain with 2 million 261 thousand 335 dollars. Finally, Bulgaria demanded 1 million 124 thousand 139 dollars and Israel 985 thousand 149 dollars worth of honey from Turkey.

Turkey's Honey Exports Increased by 75% in the First Half of 2022

Although honey production in Turkey is adversely affected by bad weather conditions, honey production continues uninterruptedly. In addition, significant increases are experienced in honey exports.

Turkey's honey exports in the first six months of 2022 increased by a remarkable 75% compared to the same period of the previous year. According to the data announced by the Eastern Black Sea Exporters' Association (DKİB), Turkey exported 8,892 tons of honey to 46 different countries in the first six months of 2022. Revenue of 23 million 829 thousand 670 dollars was obtained from exports to 46 different countries. 

In the first six months of 2021, 3,800 tons of honey were exported. In return, a foreign exchange inflow of 597 thousand 813 dollars was provided. Compared to last year, the amount of honey exported this year increased by 134%, while revenue increased by 75%.

Countries with the Most Honey Exports are the USA, Germany, and Spain

The countries that are outstanding in Turkey's honey export are the USA, Germany, and Spain. The USA ranked first by demanding 7 million 904 thousand 362 dollars worth of honey. Then, Germany with 3 million 640 thousand 94 dollars. Finally, 3 million 378 thousand 193 dollars worth of honey exports were made to Spain.

Honey Exported to 14 Countries for the First Time in 2022

In addition to the increase in honey exports, Turkey also exported honey to new markets in 2022. By exporting honey to countries to which it had never exported in 2021, Turkey delivered Turkish honey to many more countries this year. These countries include Slovenia, Peru, Maldives, Denmark, Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, Barbados, Mauritania, Liberia, Bangladesh, North Macedonia, Taiwan, and Portugal.

DKİB Chairman of the Board Saffet Kalyoncu Made Statements About Turkey's Increasing Honey Exports

DKİB Chairman of the Board Saffet Kalyoncu made statements about Turkey's increasing honey exports. He said that Turkey ended the six months of the year with an increase in honey exports.

Kalyoncu stated that honey was a product that contributes significantly to the country's economy and that Turkey had very important potential for honey production in terms of flora diversity. Therefore, Kalyoncu emphasized that expectations from honey exports were high. Kalyonucu underlined the importance of concentrating on and supporting the production of value-added and branded products so that honey can be exported in much higher numbers.

According to Kalyoncu, it is important to mark and then export the honey according to each flower type. Kalyoncu concluded his words as follows: "our exporters and growers need to give importance to the export of higher value-added products by working quickly."

Finally, The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry supports many projects to increase honey production. There are 553 honey forests in Turkey. It is aimed to increase these honey forests to 720 by 2023. 

Dried fruits are high in energy and rich in potassium, and calcium. They are considered in the healthy products category of the World Health Organization. Turkey is number one in the production and export of dried fruit in the world. The most well-known trio of the dried fruit industry, seedless raisins, dried apricots, and dried figs, break records in Turkey's exports. 

According to the data of Aegean Exporters' Associations (EIB), dried fruit exports increased in the 2021-22 season when compared to the 2020-21 season. Exports amounted to 94 million dollars in the previous period. They reached 1 billion 15 million dollars with an increase of 11 percent in the remaining part of the 2021-22 season. As a result of these data, Turkey has achieved the first position in dried fruit exports.

Export Growth of Seedless Raisins

The product that became the export leader of dried fruits in the 2020/22 season was seedless raisins. According to the announced data, 393 million dollars of raisins were exported in the 7 months between September 1, 2020, and July 31, 2021. In the 2021/22 season, 408 million dollars were reached by exporting raisins in the same period. In these two seasons, a total of 435 tons of seedless raisins were exported. 

The number of countries to which seedless raisins were exported was recorded as 101. England ranks first in the list of countries where raisins are exported the most, with 102.6 million dollars. Germany follows in second with demand for seedless raisins at $58.2 million. While the Netherlands entered the list in third place with 38 million dollars, 32 million dollars of raisins were exported to Italy. 

Dried Apricots Exceeded 370 Million Dollars

Dried apricots reached 87 thousand tons in the 2020-21 season. They reached 80 thousand with a decrease of 7 percent in the 2021-22 season. Nevertheless, Turkish dried apricots were exported with an added value of $1290 in the same season. As a result of this situation, the amount of foreign exchange obtained from dried apricot exports increased by 29 percent from 291 million dollars to 375 million dollars. 

The export list of Turkish dried apricots includes many countries. The first one of these countries was the USA with an import demand of 57.3 million dollars. France is in second place with 36 million dollars. The UK ranked third with its dried apricot import demand of 21.6 million dollars.

Dried Fig Exports are Increasing Continuously

The exports of dried figs this season surpassed the exports of 230 million dollars in the 2020-21 season with 232 million dollars. 

France took the top spot in dried fig imports with an amount of 31.4 million dollars. Germany took second place by demanding 30.8 million dollars of Turkish dried figs. The USA, which demanded 30.3 million dollars of dried figs, was in third place.

''We are getting closer to our export targets''

President of Aegean Dried Fruits and Products Exporters' Association, Mehmet Ali Işık talked about the dried fruit sector. Işık stated that Turkey was the dry fruit warehouse in the world thanks to its suitable climatic features and fertile lands for dry fruit production. Işık also announced that they would develop projects to increase domestic consumption, as well as other projects to increase exports in the future.

The dried apricot season has ended. One month is left for the season to end for seedless raisins, and two months are left for dried figs. Işık stated that they were close to reaching their export target of $1.1B in three products by the end of this process. Thus, a satisfactory and productive season was left behind in terms of dried fruit exports. According to Işık, preparations for the 2022-23 season have begun and targets are being set.

 “We do not expect a decrease in the yields of seedless raisins, dried apricots, and dried figs in the 2022/23 season. We aim to increase exports in the range of 10-15 percent and an export amount of 1 billion 250 million dollars in three products,'' Işık shared his target.

The Future of the Dried Fruit Industry

The dried fruit sector, in which organic production started 35 years ago in Turkey, continues to develop gradually. Dried figs, dried apricots, and seedless grapes, known as the big trio of the dried fruit industry, have many benefits. The products in the dried fruit sector can be grown with less water. This causes these products to have very little impact on the carbon footprint. According to Işık, projects are being developed to increase the production quality and food safety of the three main products. They are also working to minimize the effects of global warming on the industry.

Turkey’s highest export value of all time has been reached. According to the General Trade System (GTS), Turkey's exports increased in July year over year. Turkey's Trade Minister Mehmet Muş described this situation as a record.

Muş stated that exports, which increased by 13.4 percent in July, were the highest exports of all time on a monthly basis. Compared to the same month of the previous year, exports in 2022 continue to increase by 18.6 billion dollars. The import value of July increased by 40.8% compared to the previous year and was worth $29.1B. This record highlights that Turkey is approaching its 12-month export targets.

The list of the most exported countries in July is quite extensive. Germany takes the first place with 1 billion 487 million dollars. It is followed by the USA, which has 1 billion 318 million dollars with an increase of 24.8%. England is in third place with an increase of 3.6 percent and 1 billion 17 million dollars in the list.

Mehmet Muş also announced that the share of the top 10 countries with the highest share in total exports was 47.2%. Muş stated, "While the global economic growth forecasts were lowered in the IMF's July report, our country's 2022 growth forecast was increased to 4 percent with an increase of 1.3 points."

Exports Were Made Mostly to EU Countries

In the said period, the list of the most exported country groups was also announced by the Ministry of Trade. The European Union ranks first in the list with 7 billion 351 million dollars. It is followed by the Near and Middle East countries with 3 billion 134 million dollars. Other European countries followed with 2 billion 382 million dollars export value.

According to the data of the BEC classification, most exports were made from the raw material (intermediate goods) group with an increase of 20.7 percent and 10 billion 187 million dollars. Other sectors with the highest exports were consumer goods with an increase of 3.9 percent and 6 billion 278 million dollars. Also, investment goods were on the list with an 8 percent increase and 1 billion 937 million dollars.

The share of the manufacturing industry in exports was determined as 94.2 percent. The mining and quarrying sector followed the manufacturing industry with 2.9 percent.

Russia Ranks First in Imports

Exports were made to many countries in July. Russia is at the top of the list with an import of 4 billion 369 million dollars with an increase of 78.1 percent. It was followed by China with a 43.2 percent increase and 3 billion 805 million dollars. Finally, Germany came with a 9.3 percent increase and 1 billion 781 million dollars.

Asian countries take the first place in the list of groups imported in the specified period, with 7 billion 455 million. Behind Asian countries, there is the European Union, with 7 billion 251 million dollars. European countries come in third place with 6 billion 849 dollars.

According to the July data of the BEC classification, Turkey’s most imports were made in the "raw materials" group. Imports in the raw materials group exceeded 23 billion 592 million dollars and took first place on the list. The "investment goods" group took second place with 3 billion 159 million dollars. And the "consumer goods" group took third place with 2 billion 365 million dollars.

When the most imports are listed by the sector, the manufacturing industry comes first with 73.2 percent. The share of mining and quarrying was 19.3 percent. The share of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries was 4.7 percent.

In the first 7 months of the year, foreign trade volume increased by 30.9 percent compared to the same period of the previous year. It reached 350 billion 816 million dollars. In these 7 months, the foreign trade deficit reached 61 billion 982 million dollars with an increase of 143%. The export-import coverage ratio was calculated as 70 percent.

‘’Turkey will reach its 12-month export target’’

Muş stated that with 12-month exports reaching $248.4B, they would reach the $250B export target by the end of 2022. Muş also said that the Turkish economy managed to create 3 million 573 thousand additional jobs compared to the pre-pandemic period. 

He added that the economy continued to grow after the difficult processes experienced with the COVID19 epidemic that spread all over the world in 2019. Despite the uncertainties in the Russia-Ukraine war after the epidemic, high increases are expected in tourism and export revenues in the coming months.

Turkey's rise in the textiles and raw materials sector continues. Certain reasons such as the ease of access to raw materials and the developments in the field of supply are important in the sector. According to the data of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), there is a noticeable increase when compared to previous years.

Textile and Raw Materials Sector on the Rise with 6.1 Billion Dollars

This year's export amount increased by 13.4% and reached 18.5 billion dollars compared to the same month of last year. Between January-July, exports increased by 19.1% and reached 144 billion dollars. The annualized export value exceeded 248 billion, reaching a record level.

Exports of textiles and raw materials, which exceeded 723 million dollars in July of 2021, increased by 0.7 percent to 728 million dollars. This data once again proves that this sector is one of the growing sectors in Turkey.

The Highest Export Level Reached

Turkey realized exports of 6 billion 119 million dollars in January-July 2022 with an increase of 9.5 percent compared to the previous year. In this way, the highest export level is achieved. 

In the sector's exports last month, Istanbul became the leader with 317 million dollars. Gaziantep is in second place with an export of 121 million dollars, followed by Bursa with 83 million dollars of exports.

In exports worth 6.1 billion dollars in the period covering January and July 2022, Istanbul maintained its position in the first place. Istanbul exported 2 billion 460 million dollars. Istanbul was followed by Gaziantep with 1 billion dollars and Bursa with 763 million dollars. Compared to the same period of last year, the exports in the sector have increased significantly.

The Largest Export was Made to Italy

With its success in the textile and raw materials sector, Turkey exports to many countries. Italy has become the top importer with $67 million. Russian Federation with 43.8 million dollars and Belarus with 39.5 million dollars were also included in this list.

In the first 7 months of 2022, exports were made to Italy with 635 million dollars in the textile and raw materials sector. The USA is behind Italy with 340 million dollars, followed by Spain with 323 million dollars. According to the data in the list, Italy has become the most exported country in the last 7 months.

EU countries are in the first place with 278 million dollars among the country groups to which exports were made last month in the textile and raw materials sector. Behind the EU countries, there are also different countries on the list. After the Community of the Independent States, which has an export value of 139 million dollars. There is also Africa with an export value of 86 million dollars.

In the list of country groups, the most exports were made to EU countries with 2 billion 585 dollars in 7 months. As in last month's list, the Commonwealth of Independent States ranks second with $805 million. In 7 months, 798 million dollars were exported to African countries.

Exports were made to 163 different countries and regions in July. Thus, the textile and raw materials sector received a share of 3.9 percent of the country's total exports.

In the first 7 months of 2022, the sector exported to 190 different countries and regions, and its export share in the country reached 4.2 percent.

Turkey Receives Additional Supply Requests

Textile Exporters and Employees Association President Ergin Aydın stated that they have started to diversify their supply sources. Aydın also stated that the performance of the sector has improved despite the effects of the COVID-19 epidemic, which spread all over the world in 2021.

According to Aydın's expectations, the textile and raw material sector will reach its annual export target. While the orders of existing customers who export textiles are increasing, new buyers are starting to be interested in the textile market in Turkey.

Various countries in other geographies interested in the textile and raw material sector in Turkey, especially the EU and the USA, demand additional supply. For the continuation of this situation, efforts to transition to higher value-added exports continue. The process is supported by the government at every stage.

The textile and raw materials sector includes many projects supported by the Ministry of Commerce for female employees. Currently, the female employment rate in the textile sector in Turkey has reached 55%. The Turkish textile industry, which has always succeeded in renewing and transforming itself, has reached the largest export amount. This sector has a great contribution to the national income. It is in a very important and strategic position as one of the main sectors that provide the fastest return.

Spices are frequently used in kitchens, which make the food not only delicious but also healthier. The Aegean Region of Turkey has become the opening to the world for special and delicious spices that give flavor to the food. In the first half of 2022, Turkey exported $105.7 million worth of spices. Most of these exports, worth $67 million, were provided by exporters who are members of the Aegean Exporters' Association (EIB). 

Spice exports from the Aegean region increased by 3 percent in the first half of 2022 compared to the first half of 2021. Briefly, spice exports, which were 64.8 million dollars in 2021, increased to 67 million 58 thousand dollars in 2022. Members of Aegean Exporters' Associations delivered rich spice varieties such as thyme, black cumin, laurel, sumac, cumin, linden, and sage around the world in 2022. These spices, served from the Aegean to the world, continue to flavor world cuisine. 

The use of spices that give flavor to foods is increasing day by day around the world. Nurettin Tarakçıoğlu is the Vice Chairman of the Aegean Furniture Paper and Forest Products Exporters' Association. He announced that Turkey's spice exports in the first half of 2022 amounted to 105 million 778 thousand dollars. Furthermore, Tarakçığlu added that 64% of these exports were made by exporters members of Aegean Exporters' Associations.

New Target: 1 Million Dollar Spice Export

In order to increase the recognition and export of Turkish food products in the US market, the TURQUALITY project has been carried out for four years by the Aegean Exporters' Associations. Tarakçıoğlu underlined the importance of this project and explained its details and goals.

The most important aim of this project is to introduce Turkish spices to the world market and to increase the export volume. “The focus point of the project is the USA because the use of spices is more common in the USA. The project aims to produce environmentally friendly products that meet accountability and sustainability conditions. The most important aim of the project is to increase the export of Turkish spices produced based on accountability and sustainability on a regular basis. Finally, it is to increase the spice export, which is currently in the range of 200-250 million dollars per year, to 1 billion dollars,” said Tarakçığlu.

European Spice Union General Assembly to Convene in Bodrum

Spice exporters under the umbrella of Aegean Exporters' Associations are part of the Aegean Furniture Paper and Forest Products Exporters' Association and the Aegean Cereals Pulses Oilseeds Exporters Association. These two exporters' associations are preparing to host the European Spice Union General Assembly on 5-8 October 2022 in Bodrum. 

Muhammet Öztürk is the president of the Aegean Cereals Pulses Oilseeds and Products Exporters' Association. He made a written statement about this important committee. Öztürk stated that Turkey would host the general assembly of the European Spice Union after 12 years. The 250 business people who shape the spice industry in Europe will come together in Turkey. Thanks to this organization, the connections and business relations to be established can contribute to the increase of Turkey's spice export amount.

Leading Products: Laurel and Thyme

Öztürk explained that the leading products in Turkey's spice exports were thyme and laurel. Additionally, Öztürk shared information on the size of income from exports of other spices.

31 million dollars was obtained from the export of thyme and 24.5 million dollars from the export of bay leaves. They exported 5.1 million dollars of sage, 4.8 million dollars of cumin and 3.5 million dollars of rosemary. Moreover, they exported 2.5 million dollars of sumac, 2.3 million dollars of licorice root, 1.5 million dollars of anise, and 1.1 million dollars' worth of black cumin.

In the first half of 2022, spices were exported to 144 countries from Turkey. The USA, Germany, and China are among the top three countries. Spice exports to the USA, which ranks first, were 13 million 370 thousand dollars. Secondly, Germany demanded 11 million 634 thousand dollars worth of spices from Turkey. Finally, Turkey's spice exports to China were 10 million 122 thousand dollars. 

Turkey continues to add flavor to world cuisine with its rich variety of spices. Thanks to its sustainable and controllable production, Turkey succeeds in increasing its export volume of spices every year. The most substantial contribution to Turkey's spice export is undoubtedly by the members of Aegean Exporters' Associations.