Turkey risks losing its leading position in global flour exports due to high wheat costs

Turkey risks losing its leading position in global flour exports due to high wheat costs and intensifying competition from other suppliers. This was stated by Begüm Sever, Trade and Procurement Manager at Ulusoy Flour, during the Grain Academy conference in Sofia on October 22.

According to her estimates, Turkey’s wheat crop in 2026 will total around 24.5 mln tons, indicating a recovery in production following several drought-affected years. Under normal weather conditions, the country can largely meet its domestic wheat consumption from local production. However, imports remain important for supplying the milling industry, which is oriented towards export markets.

Sever noted that domestic wheat prices in Turkey remain above international levels, increasing flour production costs. Turkish exporters must compete not only with producers from other countries but also with new milling capacity in their traditional export markets.

These changes are particularly evident in Africa, where importing countries are investing in domestic wheat processing, gradually reducing their need for imported flour. Meanwhile, Syria remains an important potential market for Turkish exporters, although supply opportunities also depend on logistics and payment terms.

According to Sever, continued price pressure and intensifying competition could weaken Turkey’s position in the global flour market. Another factor affecting the country’s grain market is restrictions on corn imports related to genetically modified product requirements, which limit the range of available suppliers.

Tags: Turkey, grain, wheat, flour