The Turkish cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and products sector reported remarkable achievements in 2024, highlighting steady growth and optimism for the future. Ahmet Tiryakioğlu, Chairman of the Sector Board under the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), shared insights into the sector’s performance and its ambitions.
Exports Near $12 Billion
Chairman Tiryakioğlu detailed the sector’s 2024 results:
“The cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and products sector, encompassing essential food products such as wheat flour, pasta, vegetable oils, biscuits, and confectionery, reached total exports of $11.9 billion in 2024. During this period, total cereal exports amounted to 13.5 million metric tons, with the average export price per kilogram rising by 3.5% to $0.88.
However, due to the wheat import ban enforced between June and October, wheat flour exports declined by 20.9% to $1.159 billion, reducing its share in total cereal exports to 9.7%. Meanwhile, sweet biscuit and wafer exports grew by 9.7%, reaching $973 million and ranking second in the sector.”
Aiming for New Heights in 2025
While the results are encouraging, Tiryakioğlu noted there is room for improvement, with a confident outlook for 2025:
“This year, we performed slightly below the high standards our sector has achieved over the years, increasing exports from $1 billion in 2002 to $12 billion today and raising its share in Turkey’s total exports from 2.7% to over 5%.
In 2025, we anticipate setting a new record by achieving over $12.5 billion in exports, reflecting a 7% growth.”
As the sector continues its upward trajectory, these projections underscore its vital role in Turkey’s overall economic and export landscape.