Business · Trade · 5 hrs ago
Turkish exporters call for a safe Black Sea trade corridor
Turkey’s fresh fruit and vegetable exporters are calling for a safe Black Sea trade corridor before the citrus season.
The group’s representative, Sarıkaya, said its exports rose to more than $1.38 billion, from $894.2 million in the same period last year, and that it shipped 1.2 million tonnes in nine months.
About 80% of Turkey’s fresh produce shipments travel by sea, making reliable shipping important to exporters.
Sarıkaya warned that disruptions during a season when a large citrus harvest is expected could delay deliveries and cause losses.
The group says safe, uninterrupted sea transport is needed to protect producers’ earnings and Turkey’s position in export markets.
It has also promoted products at trade fairs in Madrid and Moscow and held talks with buyers from more than 50 countries; the group says these discussions could help build business links and open markets.
A Turkish exporter representative called for an urgent safe trade corridor in the Black Sea ahead of the citrus season.
Sarıkaya warned that disruption to sea transport could delay deliveries and cause significant export losses during a period of expected high citrus yields.
About 80% of Turkey’s fresh fruit and vegetable exports are shipped by sea, while 20% travel by road.
The exporters’ association’s exports exceeded $1.38 billion, up from $894.2 million in the same period last year.
Sarıkaya said exporters had converted 1.2 million tonnes of products into value in world markets over nine months.
- Who
- Sarıkaya, speaking about Turkish fresh fruit and vegetable exporters.
- What
- Called for an urgent safe Black Sea trade corridor to protect exports.
- When
- Ahead of the citrus season; the article was published on October 20, 2026.
- Where
- The Black Sea trade route and Turkey’s export markets.
- Why
- Sea transport carries about 80% of the country’s fresh fruit and vegetable exports, and disruptions could delay deliveries and cause losses.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The association’s exports were $894.2 million.
Sarıkaya said exporters had converted 1.2 million tonnes of products into value in world markets.
Sarıkaya called for a safe Black Sea trade corridor to be established urgently.
- Export value
- More than $1.38 billion
- Export comparison
- $894.2 million in the same period last year
- Products exported over nine months
- 1.2 million tonnes
- Shipping split
- About 80% by sea; 20% by road
- Upcoming season
- Citrus season with expected high yields
What people are saying
As we enter the citrus season, a safe trade corridor in the Black Sea needs to be established urgently.
If we cannot deliver our products to markets on time during this period of high yields, it could lead to significant losses in our exports.
The uninterrupted and safe continuation of maritime transport is of great importance so that our producers are rewarded for their efforts and our position in export markets is protected.
The key to lasting export success is building sustainable and strong commercial relationships.