Turkey criticized for cutting sunseed import duty during harvest

Turkey will reduce its import duty on sunflower seed for oil production from 20% to 12% starting October 1. The decision will take effect during the domestic harvest, which continues until mid-November, prompting strong criticism from representatives of the country’s agricultural sector.

İlhami Özcan Aygun, a member of parliament from Tekirdağ province, said cheaper imports could cost Turkish farmers TRY 4–5 thsd for every ton of sunflower seed they sell. The 20% duty had previously been scheduled to remain in place until November 30, but the introduction of the lower rate has been brought forward by 61 days to October 1.

According to Aygun, importers had been pushing for a lower duty for some time, while producers urged the government to maintain the existing conditions until the harvest was completed. He warned that increased supplies of cheaper sunflower seed from Russia, Ukraine and Moldova during the peak marketing period for the new crop could put additional pressure on domestic prices.

The impact could be particularly significant in Thrace, which accounts for around 35–40% of Turkey’s oilseed sunflower production. The country harvested around 1.2 mln tons of sunflower seed last year, while production could rise to 1.7 mln tons this year due to more favorable weather, according to estimates cited by the lawmaker.

Aygun warned that lower prices during the new-crop marketing period could weaken the financial position of Turkish producers and prompt some farmers to reduce sunflower planting in the future. He called on the government to reconsider the decision and focus on supporting domestic farmers rather than creating additional advantages for imported sunflower seed.

Tags: Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, sunseed, imports, duties, Moldova