Turkey exported a record high volume of tomatoes and earned 40,116,000 USD (37 million Euro), already meeting its export quota to Russia, Dunya.com reports.
Tomato exporters are now asking the removal of the 150.000-ton quota that was initiated by Russia following tensions in the relations between the two countries.
According to industry players, the Turkish fresh fruit and veg sector had a good start to 2020. In January, exports increased by 29% compared to January 2019. Exports increased from $199 million to $256 million in January 2020. In the same period, the Aegean Region increased its fresh fruits and vegetable exports by 68%. In terms of value, exports from the area increased from $14 million to $24 million.
In January, tomatoes were the top export product in the fresh fruit and veg category.
The Aegean Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Exporters Association‘s chairman, Hayrettin Ucak, stated that Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli and Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan have a busy agenda to hold diplomatic talks in order to remove export quotas. Ucak said that he “firmly believes” that these efforts will pay off and the two sides will reach a solution.
Turkey exported 535.000 tons of tomatoes in return of $304 million. 98.000 tons of these were exported to Russia in return of $86 million. In 2019, tomato exports to Russia increased by 181%.
