#Türkiye #potatoexports #potatoproduction #geographicexpansion #EastFruit #devaluation #Uzbekistan
Türkiye, one of the top 15 potato exporters globally, is witnessing a significant boost in potato production this year. The country imported a record-breaking 28,500 tons of seed potatoes in the first four months of 2023, marking a remarkable 91% increase compared to the previous year. This surge in production is attributed to soaring table potato prices both domestically and in the region, leading the Turkish government to ban exports. As a result, Türkiye aims to meet local demand while expanding its geographic scope of potato exports, posing challenges for other potato-producing nations like Georgia. Additionally, the recent devaluation of the Turkish lira is expected to further enhance Türkiye’s potato exports.
Türkiye’s potato industry is undergoing rapid development as it seeks to meet the growing demand for this versatile crop. In the first four months of 2023, Türkiye imported a record-breaking 28,500 tons of seed potatoes, setting a new historical milestone. This volume represents a significant 91% increase compared to the previous year. The rise in imports is a direct response to the escalating table potato prices both in the local market and the surrounding region.
According to EastFruit experts, the majority of Türkiye’s seed potato supply, around 79% by volume, originates from the Netherlands. The remaining seed tubers are imported from the United Kingdom (7%), France (6%), Germany (4%), and Belgium (2%). This diverse import network ensures a steady supply of high-quality seed potatoes, enabling Türkiye to boost its domestic production.
The surge in potato production in Türkiye is primarily driven by the government’s decision to ban exports in early 2023, given the rapid growth of domestic potato prices. In the same period of January to April 2023, Türkiye’s potato exports were limited to less than 13,000 tons, a significant decrease compared to the 113,000 tons exported during the same period the previous year.
However, Türkiye’s potato exports have traditionally been strong, reaching a record high of 265,000 tons in 2021. The country’s primary export markets for potatoes include Syria, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Qatar, Oman, and Turkmenistan. With the projected increase in potato output, Türkiye aims to expand its geographic scope of exports, tapping into new markets and diversifying its customer base.
The EastFruit researchers predict a substantial drop in potato prices in 2023 due to the potential for a significant increase in Türkiye’s potato output. This decline in prices is expected to have far-reaching consequences, as Türkiye’s low-cost potato imports may pose a significant challenge to potato farmers in other nations, particularly Georgia.
On the flip side, this surge in potato production presents an excellent opportunity for Uzbekistan to diversify its potato purchases. Despite being one of the largest potato importers globally, Uzbekistan has never imported a substantial amount of potatoes from Türkiye. With the favorable market conditions and increased production, Uzbek importers may consider Türkiye as a reliable source for their potato requirements.
The recent devaluation of the Turkish lira further enhances the prospects of potato exports from Türkiye. The devalued currency makes Türkiye’s potato exports more competitive in the international market, potentially attracting buyers from various regions.
Türkiye’s potato industry is experiencing remarkable growth in production and exports. The surge in domestic prices, coupled with the ban on exports, has incentivized Türkiye to boost its potato output. With expectations of lower prices and an expanded geographic scope of exports, Türkiye is set to become an even more prominent player in the global potato market.
