Turkish aquaculture exports have achieved a significant milestone, surpassing $1.4 billion in the first 10 months of the year, showcasing a notable increase compared to the same period in 2022. The Aegean region played a substantial role in this success, contributing 68 percent to the total exports, as highlighted by a statement from the Aegean Exporters’ Associations.
Breaking down the aquaculture product exports, sea bass led the way with an impressive $435 million, followed by sea bream at $353 million, salmon at $315 million, and trout at $96 million.
The report emphasized that a considerable portion of sea bass (73%) and sea bream (78%) exports were in fresh condition, while 74 percent of salmon exports were frozen.
In specific market dynamics, the U.K. secured the top spot in fresh sea bass exports with $29 million. Meanwhile, the Russian Federation emerged as the leading country for frozen salmon and frozen trout exports, demonstrating a demand of $158 million.
Sinan Kızıltan, Chairman of the Sector Board of the Turkish Aquaculture and Animal Products Exporters’ Associations, revealed the industry’s outstanding performance and set an ambitious target for 2024. He projected the year-end export figure for 2023 to reach $1.7 billion, with an even more ambitious goal of reaching $2 billion in 2024. Kızıltan emphasized Turkey’s global dominance in aquaculture, citing exports to over 100 countries and positioning Turkey as the leading supplier to the European market.
“The Turkish aquaculture sector has achieved an extraordinary 30-fold increase in exports in 23 years, starting from around $50 million in 2000. We are on track to reach $1.7 billion by the end of 2023, with an even more ambitious target of $2 billion in 2024. Our relentless efforts, including the use of air cargo options, are strengthening our foothold in distant markets, with a particular focus on the U.S.,” Kızıltan added.
