Turkey’s remarkable ascent as a major exporter of durum wheat has provided relief to pasta enthusiasts worldwide, mitigating price pressures and solidifying the country’s position as a vital source of this essential ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine. Anticipated to become the world’s second-largest durum exporter in the 2023/24 season, Turkey has played a pivotal role in bridging supply gaps resulting from adverse weather conditions in leading producer Canada, thereby stabilizing prices and ensuring adequate availability of durum wheat in global markets.
Despite forecasts indicating a three-decade low in global durum stocks, Turkish exports have effectively averted immediate shortages and contributed to aligning durum prices with the overall trend of easing staple grain prices. Transitioning from a net importer to a significant exporter of durum wheat, Turkey’s unexpected market presence has been underpinned by robust production levels, reaching approximately 1.5 million metric tons exported thus far in the current season. Favorable agricultural conditions, increased investments in irrigation, and competitive pricing supported by currency dynamics have propelled Turkey’s emergence as a sustainable durum exporter, with prospects for continued growth in the years ahead.
Buoyed by a successful harvest last year and conducive planting conditions, Turkey is poised to achieve record durum production exceeding 4 million tons for the second consecutive year, surpassing domestic consumption levels and catering to export demands. The country’s pasta industry association anticipates sustained export volumes in the upcoming season, reinforcing Turkey’s status as a key player in the global durum wheat market and projecting significant export potential exceeding 1 million tons in the following season.