The imposed tariffs by Trump will not have a significant impact on fruit and vegetable exports from Turkey to the United States, as these hardly exist. However, Yigit Gokyigit of Alanar does think the current political climate could lead to opportunities for exports towards Canada, as the Canadians will want to rely less on imports from the Americans:

“Turkey may export a very limited number of fresh fruits to the USA, as the required protocols between those two countries are not in place for the majority of fruits and vegetables. However, Canada has been the main market in North America for Turkish fresh fruit exporters for decades. Turkish fruits and vegetables, such as pomegranates, figs, citrus, grapes, apricots, and even cherries, can be found in Canadian supermarkets when these products are in season. However, increasing logistical costs, especially after the pandemic era, became the biggest challenge for exporters in Turkey. Since the pandemic, they have to compete with countries that have lower logistical costs, based on their geographical proximity to Canada, such as the United States and Mexico.”

Gokyigit specifically thinks that the exports of cherries to Canada could see a major increase. “Increasing tariffs between Canada and the US may turn into an opportunity for the growers and exports here in Turkey. Canada is a significant cherry-consuming country that also exports its own cherries, mainly grown in British Columbia. Canada imports over 30,000 tons of cherries every year and approximately 95% of it comes from the US. I think the recently increased tariffs between Canada and the US will affect their fresh fruit and vegetable trade as well. Turkey grows sophisticated cherries with rich flavor that is highly desirable especially in the European market. Z-900 is a unique variety of Turkey, and Regina is a growing variety that is well known for its firm surface and longer shelf life. I believe that Turkey will offset the disadvantage of its high logistics costs to the US with the tariffs that the US has recently imposed,” he concludes.

For more information:
Yigit Gokyigit
Alanar
Mobile: +90 549 804 87 56
Email: [email protected]
www.alanar.com.tr