Turkey agriculture sector shifts to trade deficit in 2026

Ömer Fethi Gürer, a CHP Niğde Deputy and member of the TBMM Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Affairs Commission, has highlighted a shift in Turkey’s agriculture, food, and beverage sector trade balance.

According to data analyzed by Gürer, the sector maintained a trade surplus in previous years. In the first half of 2024, the sector recorded a $3.2 billion surplus, with $12.9 billion in exports against $9.7 billion in imports. In the first half of 2025, a surplus of approximately $1.42 billion was maintained, with $13.42 billion in exports and $12 billion in imports.

However, the trend reversed in the first half of 2026. During this period, the sector recorded a trade deficit of approximately $190 million, as imports reached $14.19 billion against $14.00 billion in exports.