Favorable weather conditions and rainfall have boosted the yield of many fresh fruits in Türkiye, with exports from the sector topping $1 billion (TL 48.14 billion) for the first time in the January-July period, according to a report on Wednesday.
Higher yields have enabled exporters to meet foreign demand with regular and high-quality products.
The increase in production was also supported by Türkiye's logistical advantage of being close to European markets.
Accordingly, Türkiye's fresh fruit exports in the January-July period rose by 59% compared to the same period last year, increasing from $631.66 million to $1.005 billion, according to data compiled by Anadolu Agency (AA) from the Aegean Exporters’ Association.
Thus, for the first time, the sector surpassed the $1 billion export mark in the January-July period.
During this period, Türkiye exported 512,011 tons of fresh fruit to foreign markets, with significant increases particularly in important European markets.
Among European countries, Germany was the largest importer of Turkish fresh fruit. Exports to this country increased by 80%, rising from $63.41 million to $113.92 million.
One of the strongest proportional increases in European markets was observed in Spain. Fresh fruit exports to Spain rose by a staggering 318%, from $1.73 million to $7.21 million.
Poland also became one of the fastest-growing markets. Exports to Poland increased by 295%, rising from $9.39 million to $37.06 million.
Fresh fruit exports to Italy increased by 203%, from $2.02 million to $6.13 million.
The increase continued in other European markets as well. Exports to the Netherlands increased by 53% to $12.58 million, to Latvia by 44% to $4.34 million, and to the U.K. by 19% to $20.59 million.
Hayrettin Uçak, the chairperson of the Turkish Fruit and Vegetable Products Exporters' Sector Board, noted that a productive season has pleased both producers and exporters.
Uçak noted significant increases in revenues from products such as cherries, nectarines, peaches, and apricots, and said that the increase in exports has brought more foreign revenues.
Emphasizing that exports are an indispensable element for the Turkish economy, Uçak suggested that agricultural products were in "truly high demand."
"The continuous demand for our products due to their quality, flavor, and aroma drives up our exports. In the first seven months, our exports rose from $631 million to $1 billion," he said.
"This situation pleases both our exporters and producers. This figure is the highest ever reached in the first seven-month period," he added.
