Turkey's seafood and dairy exports surge in 2026

Turkey’s seafood and animal‑product sector recorded a strong performance in the first half of 2026, delivering US$1.904 billion in export value. The Ege Region’s Exporters’ Union (EİB) accounted for half of the national total, with its turnover rising 16 % year‑on‑year to US$949 million. Muğla province alone supplied about 35 % of Turkey’s seafood exports, shipping roughly 85 000 tons out of 170 000 tons produced.

The broader animal‑product market also posted gains: egg exports jumped 70 % to US$287 million, while overall sector exports are projected to reach US$4.3 billion by year‑end 2026. In parallel, Turkey’s ice‑cream export market continued its upward trend, reaching US$23.5 million in the first four months of 2026, maintaining a net exporter status with major markets in the United States, Iraq and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Industry leaders highlighted the role of Ege’s logistics infrastructure and the geographic‑indication status of products such as Maraş ice‑cream in sustaining growth, while government bodies aim to expand consumption beyond seasonal peaks.