Türkiye’s seafood and animal products exports exceed $4 billion

WISE NEWS PRESS / ANKARA, TURKEY

Türkiye’s seafood and animal products sector increased its exports by 5% in 2025, reaching $4.046 billion, up from $3.862 billion a year earlier.

The sector has more than doubled its export volume over the past decade, becoming one of Türkiye’s fastest-growing export industries. Sinan Kızıltan, Chairman of the Turkish Seafood and Animal Products Exporters’ Associations Sector Board, said the industry is responding to rising global demand for sustainable protein.

Exports up 123% over the past decade

According to Kızıltan, sector exports stood at $1.184 billion in 2015 and have since risen by 123% to exceed $4 billion in 2025. He attributed the growth to sustainable production practices, improved quality standards, and diversification into new international markets.

Seafood accounts for 55% of total exports

Seafood remained the leading export category, generating $2.243 billion in revenue and accounting for 55% of the sector’s total exports.
Despite quota and regulatory challenges, poultry meat and eggs maintained exports worth $1.12 billion. Poultry meat exports rose 8% to $723 million, while egg exports declined 14% to $397 million due to export fund measures.

Growth in dairy products and honey exports

Exports of milk and dairy products increased by 13% to $409 million. Milk powder emerged as a key driver, with exports jumping 60% to $78 million.
Türkiye, the world’s second-largest honey producer, exported honey worth $33.5 million in 2025.

Sea bass remains top export product

Sea bass continued to lead seafood exports with $666 million in sales, followed by gilt-head bream at $585 million. Turkish salmon exports rose 14% year-on-year to $521 million.
Trout, tuna, and grouper also contributed significantly to overall export revenues.

Aegean Region delivers 45% of exports

The Aegean Seafood and Animal Products Exporters’ Association increased its exports by 7% to $1.84 billion in 2025, accounting for 45% of the sector’s total exports nationwide.

Russia and Iraq among key markets

Russia ranked as the top destination for Türkiye’s seafood exports, with purchases totaling $466 million. Iraq remained the leading market for poultry meat, eggs, and dairy products.
In honey exports, the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom were the top three markets.

2026 export target set at $4.3 billion

Kızıltan said the sector aims to reach $4.3 billion in exports in 2026, focusing on value-added production, sustainability, market diversification, and effective risk management strategies.

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