In January, Turkey exported a record high volume of tomatoes and earned 40,116,000 USD (37 million Euro). Thus, the export quota to Russia has already been met. Tomato exporters are now asking the removal of the 150.000 ton quota that was initiated by Russia following the plane crisis.
The Turkish fresh fruit and veg sector had a good start to 2020. In January, exports increased by 29% compared to January 2019. Exports increased from 199 million USD (184 million Euro) to 256 million USD (236.7 million Euro) in January 2020. In the same period, the Aegean Region increased its fresh fruits and vegetables exports by 68%. In terms of value, exports from the area increased from 14 million USD (12.94 million Euro) to 24 million USD (22.19 million Euro).
Tomatoes top export product
In January, tomatoes were the top export product in the fresh fruit and veg category.
The Aegean Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Exporters Association's chairman, Hayrettin Ucak, stated that Agriculture and Forestry Minister Dr. Bekir Pakdemirli and Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan have a busy agenda to hold diplomatic talks in order to remove export quotas. Ucak said that he firmly believes that these efforts will pay off and the two sides will reach a solution.
"Turkey exported 535.000 tons of tomatoes in return of 304,445,00 USD (281.49 million Euro). 98.000 tons of these were exported to Russia in return of 86 million USD. In 2019, tomato exports to Russia increased by 181%. In January 2020, we exported 15.110 tons of tomatoes to Russia and earned 14,175,000 USD (13.11 million Euro). The Aegean Region is responsible of 6,195,000 USD (5.73 million Euro) worth of this export. Russia also needs Turkish tomatoes.
Due to the coronavirus, trade has stopped with China and their own production is not sufficient. Soon, we expect the removal of export quotas." said Ucak.
Source: Dunya