Cherries: Turkey profits from sanctions on US products
July 8, 2019 at 11:06 AM ,
Der AUDITOR
Turkey exports cherries to China for the first time
The tensions between the USA and China have a direct impact on trading activities. This year, Turkey for instance exported cherries to China for the first time ever. According to Senih Yazgan, Vice President of the Export Association for Fresh Fruit and Vegetables, "export to China was our biggest dream. We made it happen this year". The USA is the largest competitor in the market and Yazgan is sure that there are great opporutinites for Turkey, especially since the Chinese are happy with the quality.
Turkey's export target can now be set higher. Turkey exports fresh fruit and vegetables worth USD 2.3 billion. Should China become a permanent buyer, this sum could rise by up to USD 5 billion. China, with its 1.3 billion inhabitants, is an attractive market. In addition, the export association plans to ship up to 60% of its citrus production to China.
Ambitious targets
However, Yazgan is aware that Turkey cannot meet the demand for fruit and vegetables in China, Japan and Taiwan alone. "The USA exports 13,560 mt of cherries to China." China is interested in differentiating the market and Turkey would be a welcome alternative to the US. Although Turkey is the world's largest producer of cherries, it only ranks 5th in the list of exporters. Last year, the country exported 76,000 mt of cherries, of which 64,000 mt were exported at a value of USD 161.7 million USD. This year, exports are expected to rise by 3%.
In terms of production, the current season is running satisfactorily. However, rain has caused damage in the region around the Aegean Sea. It is, therefore, considered unlikely that the export target of 78,000 mt will be reached.
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