Western Mediterranean Exports Increase in Value but Decline in Volume
· Google Haberler
The fresh fruit and vegetable sector, the export leader of the Western Mediterranean, maintained its revenue, but a 15.44% drop in quantity has prompted producers and exporters to take action.
Western Mediterranean Exports Maintain Top Position in Value
The fresh fruit and vegetable sector successfully maintained its leadership in exports from the Western Mediterranean region during the first seven months of the year. According to data from the Western Mediterranean Exporters' Association (BAIB), the sector became the largest source of foreign currency for the region with an export volume of $564,188,810. Peppers topped the list of most exported products, followed by the mining sector with $290,735,340, where marble led the sub-sector.
Warning Issued Over Decline in Export Volume
Despite achieving high export revenues, a decline in the volume of products on a kilogram basis drew attention. Evaluating the data, BAIB Chairman Mehmet Ali Can issued the following warning:
"Between January 1 and July 31, 2026, our exports decreased by 5.89% on a kilogram basis. While this indicates an increase in the export of higher value-added products, we must not overlook the decline in production and export volume."
BAIB Chairman Mehmet Ali Can stated that the volume-based loss in the fresh fruit and vegetable sector, which is the locomotive sector, reached 15.44%.
Producer Demands and Historical Role
Antalya Chamber of Agriculture Chairman Nazif Alp emphasized the importance of producers being able to continue production under sustainable conditions. Summarizing their expectations, Antalya Chamber of Agriculture Chairman Nazif Alp said:
"We don't want trillions. We just want to survive and contribute to the country's economy."
Recalling agricultural development during the Republican era, Antalya Chamber of Agriculture Chairman Nazif Alp made the following assessment:
"How did this country, which had almost nothing in the early years of the Republic, stand up? Agriculture was one of the most important reasons. Turkey reached its current position thanks to agriculture. It is thought-provoking that our farmers are in this situation now when we have far more opportunities. Those who govern the country need to evaluate the reasons for this."
Call for Joint Work Between Ministries
Stating that producers need to be supported economically, Antalya Chamber of Agriculture Chairman Nazif Alp said:
"What we want is a strong producer community that survives with small supports, can take care of its own family, is not a burden on the state, and instead contributes to the national economy."
Antalya Chamber of Agriculture Chairman Nazif Alp, who called for reduced bureaucracy in exports, continued his appeal:
"Steps should be taken to facilitate the export of our qualified and inspected agricultural products. If the Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry cooperate on this issue, the farmer will win, society will win, and the state will win."
Strong Agricultural Brand in the Global Market
Emphasizing that Turkey can become a global power with proper planning, Antalya Chamber of Agriculture Chairman Nazif Alp made the following assessment:
"These are not difficult tasks. They can be easily accomplished with the resources of our state. Thus, Turkey can easily feed its population of 100 million and become a strong agricultural brand by exporting the remaining production to world markets."
Adding that producers are ready for sacrifice, Antalya Chamber of Agriculture Chairman Nazif Alp concluded his remarks:
"As farmers, we are aware of the economic conditions our country is in. Revitalizing the economy is everyone's duty. Our state also needs to stand by the producer during this process so that we can strengthen our economy together."