Turkey Protects its Grain Stocks Amidst Global Risks
· Tarım Pusulası
As tensions in the Black Sea and drought in Europe strain global grain supplies, Turkey maintains its export advantage with a projected wheat harvest of 24.5 million tons and robust stockpiles.
Rising Risks in the Global Grain Corridor
Dr. Eren Günhan Ulusoy, President of the International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM) Eurasia, stated that escalating military tensions in the Black Sea basin and direct attacks on port infrastructure are increasing the fragility of global grain markets. Ulusoy noted disruptions in the logistical operations of Russia and Ukraine, which together account for approximately 30% of the world's wheat supply, drawing attention to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Accordingly, Russia's wheat export expectation has been revised down to 43-46 million tons, and Ukraine's to 13.5 million tons.
Turkey's Record Harvest and Stock Strength
Emphasizing that Turkey's domestic market is highly resilient despite global supply pressures, Dr. Eren Günhan Ulusoy stated that agricultural rainfall has increased by 76% compared to last year. With this meteorological development, the domestic wheat harvest is expected to reach 24.5 million tons. The Turkish flour sector, with a massive annual production capacity of 32 million tons, has maintained its position as the world's leading exporter for 11 consecutive years, holding a 23% share of global flour trade.
European Drought and Export Opportunities
Dr. Eren Günhan Ulusoy indicated that severe harvest losses are occurring in Europe due to intensifying drought, and that the shrinking shares of Russia and Ukraine are bringing producers like the U.S., Canada, and Kazakhstan to the forefront. He argued that Turkey, with its high capacity and logistical advantages in the processed agricultural products market, can fill the supply gap in Europe. Thanks to the strong results of the domestic harvest and a robust stock structure, Turkey has the potential to seize new export opportunities in the flour and bakery products market.
Major Grain Summit in Tashkent
The IAOM Eurasia Region, encompassing 32 countries, a population of over 2 billion, and an economy of 7.1 trillion dollars, represents 30% of global wheat production and 55% of flour exports. Dr. Eren Günhan Ulusoy announced that the 5th IAOM Eurasia Conference will be held in Tashkent on September 28-29, 2026, with the participation of over 1000 professionals. The summit's opening will be conducted by the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı, Uzbekistan's Minister of Agriculture İbrohim Abdurahmonov, TMO General Manager Ahmet Güldal, and IAOM USA President Mike Wiechman.