Turkey becomes an importer of legumes and cereals

 

While 2016 was declared by the United Nations as the International Year of legumes, Turkey is recognized as one of the world's leading producers of dried vegetables such as lentils, chickpeas and dried beans, and is about to become a net importer.

 

Following a purchase offer by the Office of Soil Products for 230 000 tonnes of wheat to be imported from Europe after the liberalization of the importation of chickpeas, a publication in the Official Journal announced that 100 000 tonnes of barley may be imported at zero Customs rates until the 1st of July 2017.

 

Looking at the export and import statistics of pulses and cereals in 2016, it can be seen that despite a customs tariff of 19.3%, 30,450 tonnes of chickpeas were imported, And 22 884 tonnes exported. This tariff rate is currently reduced to zero until the 1st of July 2017. Chickpeas exported mainly come from Mexico. The main buyer is Iraq.

 

During ramadan, from May 26th to June 24th, 2017, the demand for legumes is at its maximum and according to the producers, 2016 would have been a bad year.