U.S.–Türkiye Agricultural Ties: Overview, Trends, and Policy Context
Why this relationship matters
Türkiye (population ~85 million) is a major food producer, processor, and regional trade hub spanning Europe, the Middle East, and the Black Sea. For the United States, Türkiye is a mid-tier but strategic agricultural partner—important both as a buyer of U.S. commodities and as a competitive supplier of value-added foods to the U.S. market. In 2024, Türkiye ranked among the top U.S. agricultural export destinations (around #16), underscoring the relationship’s commercial importance. (Source)
Two-way trade snapshot
U.S. exports to Türkiye: Historically include cotton and other bulk commodities, select feed ingredients, wood products, and consumer-oriented items that fit Türkiye’s large packaged food and confectionery industries. The FAS maintains current trade dashboards and annual export yearbooks that track the partner-rank and commodity mix. (Source)
Türkiye’s exports to the United States: Concentrated in processed foods and specialty products—most notably hazelnuts and dried fruits—backed by strong domestic processing capacity and longstanding brand recognition in global markets. (See FAS country reports for current details.)
Structure of Türkiye’s food and agriculture market
Large consumer base & retail growth: Despite inflationary headwinds, Türkiye’s food retail sector continues to expand, supported by a young population and modern grocery chains that demand efficient imports and high-quality ingredients. Source
Processing strength & regional hub role: Türkiye’s confectionery, bakery, and edible nut processing sectors source imported inputs (including some from the U.S.) and re-export finished goods across the region. FAS market guides and sector reports outline these channels for U.S. suppliers. Source
Production variability: Weather volatility (drought) periodically affects output of wheat, barley, and other cereals, influencing import needs and price dynamics. Source
Recent developments to watch (2025)
Tariff de-escalation: On September 22, 2025, Türkiye announced it was lifting retaliatory tariffs on several U.S. agricultural products (e.g., rice, tree nuts), a step that can improve price competitiveness and restore market access in key categories.
Poultry & eggs: The U.S. poultry sector is still managing the impacts of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). In early 2025, Türkiye began exporting eggs to the U.S. to fill temporary supply gaps—illustrating the flexibility and complementarity in bilateral ag trade during shocks.
Policy signals: USDA is exploring vaccination frameworks to manage HPAI; trade partners’ rules on vaccinated flocks will shape future export conditions. These policy choices can affect both U.S. import needs from suppliers like Türkiye and outbound U.S. poultry trade.
Market access & regulations (what exporters need to know)
Import rules: FAS’s FAIRS Country Report – Türkiye (2025) details labeling, certification, and compositional requirements for food and agricultural products. Key updates include health-claim lists, labeling restrictions to prevent misleading imagery, and product-specific certification matrices.
Documentation: Exporters should verify product-by-product certificate needs and any veterinary/phyto controls before shipment. FAIRS reports provide the official reference points and appendices by HS code.
Opportunity areas for U.S. suppliers
Ingredients for processing: Inputs serving Türkiye’s confectionery and bakery industries (e.g., certain nuts, sweeteners, specialized flours, and functional ingredients) remain attractive when pricing and quality align. FAS exporter guides profile buyer preferences and channel structure.
Consumer-oriented products: Modern retail continues to expand private label and premium segments. U.S. brands that adapt pack sizes, certification, and labeling to local rules can find niches—especially in upper-income urban zones.
Counter-seasonal and volatility-hedging trade: Weather-driven grain shortfalls or disease-related protein shortages periodically open windows for imports; agile suppliers who follow FAS updates can move quickly.
Risk factors and headwinds
Macroeconomy & FX: Inflation and exchange-rate movements can compress demand for imported foods and squeeze margins for retailers and food service. (FAS retail reports discuss consumer trade-downs and format shifts.)
Sanitary/phytosanitary (SPS) changes: Labeling, additive lists, and certification requirements evolve; missed updates can delay customs clearance. FAIRS is the authoritative reference.
Global trade policy: Tariff actions/retaliation—now easing—can resurface and reshape relative prices. Monitoring FAS notices helps U.S. and Turkish firms adjust contracting in time.
The U.S.–Türkiye agricultural relationship is commercially meaningful and operationally dynamic. Türkiye’s consumer market and processing base create steady demand for select U.S. inputs and finished goods, while Türkiye’s own strengths in nuts, dried fruits, and processed foods keep it competitive in the U.S. market. Policy shifts—like the September 2025removal of retaliatory tariffs—can quickly change the calculus for specific products. Exporters, importers, and policymakers on both sides should keep a close eye on FAS Türkiye reporting and trade data to manage risk and capture timely opportunities.