#Russia #Türkiye #Tomato #Agriculture #Export #ImportQuota #TradeRelations #TurkishGrowers #EconomicDevelopment
Russia has recently made a significant decision to increase its import quota of tomatoes from Türkiye. According to reports from local media, the Russian Agriculture Ministry has raised the annual import quota by an additional 150,000 tons, bringing the total quota to 500,000 tons, up from the previous 350,000 tons.
This development has been welcomed by Turkish growers, as Russia serves as a substantial market for their produce. With ample tomato production in Türkiye, growers believe they can not only meet the domestic demand but also increase shipments to the Russian market.
Türkiye, a major tomato producer, annually yields around 13 million tons of tomatoes. The country has been actively exporting its tomatoes to various foreign markets, and Russia holds a significant position among them.
From January to June, Türkiye exported over 325 million kilograms of tomatoes, resulting in export revenues of $326 million. Russia is a crucial market for Turkish fruit and vegetable exporters, and the trade relationship between the two countries has been evolving positively.
Data from the Turkish Exporters’ Assembly (TİM) shows that the fresh fruit and vegetable export to Russia experienced a growth of 9.7 percent in the first half of 2023 when compared to the same period in the previous year, reaching $498 million.
However, there was a decline in tomato exports to Russia during the same period. In 2021, tomato exports amounted to $68 million, but it decreased to $33 million the following year. This dip in exports was attributed to the previous import quota restriction.
The recent lifting of the import quota on tomatoes from Türkiye to Russia is expected to have several consequences for both Turkish growers and export revenues.
Increased Revenue: With the new quota in place, Turkish exporters are optimistic that tomato exports to Russia will rebound. This development could lead to a surge in revenue from tomato exports, potentially reaching $500 million this year, according to Hayrettin Uçak, the president of the Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters’ Association.
Reclaiming the Largest Export Market: With the expected increase in shipments to Russia, Türkiye may once again become the largest export market for Turkish tomato growers. This would further strengthen the trade ties between the two countries and provide a stable income source for Turkish farmers.
Market Stability: The increased import quota ensures a stable market for Turkish growers, as they can confidently plan their production and export strategies without the fear of sudden trade restrictions.
Diversification of Export Destinations: While Russia is an essential market, Türkiye’s growers may also explore diversifying their export destinations to reduce dependency on a single market.
Russia’s decision to raise the tomato import quota from Türkiye is a positive development for both Turkish growers and the country’s export revenues. It opens up new opportunities for the agricultural sector and strengthens the economic ties between the two nations.
