Surge in Cereals and Legumes Exports in 2022

In the first three months of 2022, Turkey increased its exports in the categories of grains, legumes, and oilseeds. In the world, which started 2022 with the war crisis between Russia and Ukraine, the supply of grains and legumes began to be disrupted. However, Turkey did not have any problems in terms of product supply and increased its production compared to the previous year. So, what are the sectoral data in the first three months of 2022? Then what are the possible sectoral developments in the coming months?

What are Legumes and Cereal Products Produced in Turkey?

Grain group is grown quite a lot in Turkey because it is the basic food as well as being nutritious. Wheat, barley, oats, and corn are the most grown cereals in Turkey. Turkey is one of the most important flour producers in the world and holds the majority of the market. Legume production also gained momentum in Turkey, especially after the 1980s. Beans, broad beans, lentils, chickpeas, and soybeans are among the most produced legumes. Especially Southeast Anatolia, the Mediterranean, and Marmara regions are the regions that come to the fore in legumes production. In terms of grain, the Central and Southeastern Anatolia regions take the lead.

Exports Approached 3 Billion Dollars in the First Three Months of the Year

The 3-month exports of the cereals, legumes, oilseeds and their derivatives sector reached 2 billion 832 million 940 thousand dollars. This increase is equal to 40 percent compared to the same period of the previous year. According to the Southeastern Anatolian Exporters’ Association data, Turkey exported to 206 countries and free zones in 3 months. Turkey earned 2 billion 832 million 940 thousand dollars in return for the 3 million 180 thousand 242 tons of products it sent.

When we looked at it proportionally, the export amount increased by 34.21% compared to last year. Moreover, the value increase was around 40%. The total target by the end of the year is to generate $11 billion in revenue.

Why is the Demand for Legumes and Cereals Increasing?

Especially in the last 20 years, the demand for legumes and grains has increased with the increasing population. Countries have turned to legumes to feed the increasing populations. Countries such as the USA and Canada have brought high-quality product standards to the legumes they call “special crops”. This attitude has created a new market for Turkey, which produces the world’s best quality legumes and grains. In Turkey, the added value of legumes and grains is increasing every year, with the increase in yield per hectare and government incentives.

Export Target was Met in 2021

Sector representatives, who set out with an export target of 9 billion dollars at the beginning of 2021, reached their target. Last year, 9 billion 156 million 524 thousand dollars of grain and pulses exports were realized. The sector, which entered 2022 very successfully, seems to be able to meet its target with an export figure of 3 billion dollars in the first three months.

The Region with the Most Exports was the Middle East

Turkey made the most exports to the Middle Eastern countries. Total exports to the Middle East amounted to 1 billion 118 million 94 thousand dollars. After the Middle East, most exports were made to the African continent. Total exports to Africa were at the level of 702 million 130 thousand dollars. The continent of America came in third place. Total exports to the Americas amounted to 276 million 792 thousand dollars.

Most Exports by Country were Made to Iraq

In the country-based exports of the sector, Iraq ranked first with 585 million 708 thousand dollars. The USA followed Iraq with 191 million 567 thousand dollars. Syria ranked third with exports of 159 million 76 thousand dollars. With the emergence of new market areas in recent years, an increase in the number of exporting countries is expected.

Sectoral Exports will Continue to Increase

Quality legumes and grains are grown in Anatolia, especially in the Southeastern Anatolia Region, and are in high demand. This can be easily understood from the export data. Turkey’s place in this sector is also known by the whole world and its exports are increasing gradually every year. Especially exports to the USA have increased recently. Companies in the sector are expanding their market network and thus sending their products all over the world.

The digitalization experienced in the industry with the Covid-19 pandemic has enabled orders to be received faster. With the acceleration of communication processes, their market shares also increased. Sector representatives aim for the market to reach 11 billion dollars in exports by the end of the year.

If you want to reach the best quality cereals and legumes in the world, you can contact Turkish Goods.