Turkish salmon aquaculture and export growth

Erzincan has established itself as a major hub for trout and salmon fry production in Turkey, utilizing the region’s specific water conditions to support large-scale aquaculture. The production cycle involves raising fish in hatcheries before transferring them to dams and eventually marine environments, where they are marketed internationally as ‘Black Sea salmon’. Approximately 90 percent of this production is exported to 18 different countries, including Russia, China, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

Turkey is currently positioning itself as a global leader in the salmon market, having risen to 11th place globally. Export values grew from $29 million in 2019 to $396 million in 2023, with projections aiming for $520 million by 2025. The sector intends to increase salmon’s share of total Turkish seafood exports from 2.8% to 24% by 2026.

Trade with China has seen significant expansion following the signing of health and inspection protocols. In the first nine months of the year, seafood exports to China rose by 190%, with salmon exports specifically increasing by 93% compared to the previous year.