Turkey enters world history books

Turkey, which exported 3 million 663 thousand tons of flour in 2023—the highest flour export in world history—signaled that it would achieve approximately 4 million tons of flour exports in 2024 by increasing exports by 22 percent in January and 60 percent in February. Turkey, the world's undisputed flour export champion for 9 years, ranks among the leading countries in production, consumption, and trade of this commodity. Flour and flour products, consumed at an average of 160 kilograms per capita annually and firmly established on our tables, hold an important place in foreign trade as well. With 3 million 663 thousand tons of flour exported in 2023, the sector achieved the highest flour export in world history. The sector had achieved its first 3.5 million ton export in 2018. The sector, which exports 3 to 3.5 million tons of flour annually and generates over USD 1 billion in revenue, aims to achieve approximately 4 million tons of flour exports in 2024 as well. International Association of Operative Millers and Grain Traders (IAOM) Eurasia Chairman Dr. Eren Günhan Ulusoy stated, "Today our sector exports flour to exactly 164 countries, in other words, it feeds the world. 90 percent of the world population consumes Turkish flour. In 2023, we renewed the record with 3 million 663 thousand tons of exports and generated approximately USD 1.5 billion in revenue. Starting from 2020, many factors emerged that disrupted supply chains and affected food security. Amid pandemic and war, Turkey positioned itself as a primary supplier of this essential food item. We were already the first country that came to mind due to our leadership. In difficult times, we once again underscored our strong position. 2023 was recorded as a good year in terms of exports. In 2024, we made a strong start to the year. In January, with 344 thousand tons of exports, we increased our exports by 22 percent compared to January of the previous year. In February, with 322 thousand tons of exports, we achieved a 60 percent increase in export volume compared to February of the previous year. Exports will rise further in March. With a strong start to the year, we have received initial signals that the year will be successful. In February, Iraq, Djibouti, and Syria were our top export destinations. We aim to achieve over approximately 4 million tons of flour exports in 2024," Ulusoy said. Noting that Turkey continuously increases flour products exports, Ulusoy stated, "Turkey ranks first in world flour exports and second in pasta exports. Over the last 20 years, our flour exports have increased 11-fold, pasta exports 30-fold, bulgur exports 15-fold, semolina exports 5-fold, and biscuit exports 4-fold."

We expect production of 22-23 million tons

IAOM Eurasia Chairman Dr. Eren Günhan Ulusoy, noting that Turkey produces 19-20 million tons of wheat annually but that climate crisis poses a serious threat, stated, "Except for the record grain production obtained thanks to precipitation received in April-June 2023, Turkey has experienced declines in grain production in recent years due to below-normal precipitation. In the corresponding period of the previous year, cumulative precipitation reports showed declines reaching 40 percent; however, in the current season we are seeing a more favorable picture in terms of precipitation. This has raised our expectations for wheat production figures this season. In 2023, we achieved the highest wheat production figure of the last 10 years. For 2024, we expect production of 22-23 million tons. In addition to the more balanced distribution of precipitation this year compared to the previous year, the increase in sown acreage will also contribute to this increase. Dr. Eren Günhan Ulusoy, noting that another notable point in grain production in 2024 is the increase in productivity resulting from the application of agricultural technologies, stated that developing technologies must be present at every stage from soil to table in response to climate change.