Turkey’s poultry sector is on the verge of positive developments in exports to European and Middle Eastern countries. The European Union, which previously required raw meat to be of EU origin for the import of further processed products, has revised this decision and initiated inspections of 8 Turkish companies. Industry representatives state that if the EU and Middle Eastern markets open up, exports will ‘easily’ reach $1.5 billion.

İSHİB Chairman Müjdat Sezer

Istanbul Seafood and Animal Products Exporters' Association (İSHİB) Chairman Müjdat Sezer shared the latest updates on the poultry sector’s domestic and international market position. Announcing that 8 Turkish companies are undergoing inspection for the export of further processed products to the EU, Sezer said, “These companies have a 99% chance of passing the inspection. If this happens, it will be a major breakthrough.” He also noted that the sector is on the brink of positive developments in the Iraqi, Syrian, and Saudi Arabian markets, emphasizing that if the process progresses favorably, poultry exports will see a significant boost. Speaking on Bloomberg HT’s Smart Agriculture (Akıllı Tarım) TV show, Sezer stated, “In 2024, the sector’s export volume was $1.204 billion. If the EU, Syria, and Iraq reopen their markets in 2025, this will change everything dramatically. With these developments, we will easily reach $1.5 billion.”

WHITE MEAT LEADS THE FIGHT AGAINST INFLATION

Müjdat Sezer, Chairman of İSHİB, emphasized that despite inflation, Turkey’s white meat sector has demonstrated resilient growth both in the domestic market and exports. “In 2024, white meat prices declined by 1% on a monthly basis and increased by approximately 26% annually. However, this rise remained well below the inflation rate. Therefore, we can undoubtedly declare white meat the champion in the fight against inflation,” he stated.

Sezer highlighted that white meat remains the most affordable source of protein in Turkey and globally, with a kilogram priced at around 60 TRY. He pointed out that while declining purchasing power has negatively impacted consumption in almost every sector, the price advantage of white meat has shielded it from this trend. He also noted that one key factor behind the sector's stable prices is the decline in raw material costs, which had peaked worldwide last year.

TURKEY'S ANNUAL PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION AROUND 20 KG

Müjdat Sezer emphasized the ‘strong’ structure of the Turkish white meat sector and mentioned that the industry has recorded an annual growth of around 5% over the past three years. He noted that this growth is attributed to the sector's adequacy in terms of both capacity and quality, and as a result, demand has not decreased.

Sezer also shared his thoughts on Turkey's current consumption figures and future planning. He stated, "Our production volume currently meets our needs, but if we are thinking about the next 5 or 10 years and want to avoid the issues seen in red meat, there are things that need to be done regarding white meat production."

Sezer pointed out that Turkey’s annual per capita consumption is 20 kg, while this figure is around 30 kg in many countries. He further stated, "Annual per capita white meat consumption has reached 40 kg in countries like Brazil and Venezuela, as well as in the United States, where purchasing power is higher."

PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR POULTRY INVESTMENTS SHOULD BE ENHANCED

Sezer emphasized that white meat is positioned as the "protein of the future" globally and stated that consumption in Turkey must increase as well. However, he noted that achieving this requires significant investments and support. Sezer explained that the annual per capita consumption is expected to rise from 20 kilograms to 25-30 kilograms and said: "To increase per capita production by just one kilogram nationwide, we need 600,000 square meters of poultry houses. This is a substantial investment. At this point, as a sector, I would like to present our proposed solutions. First, there are several rural development and IPARD support funds. The government activates this IPARD support only when modernization is involved." Sezer emphasized that investments from scratch should also be included in this support framework, saying, "Because new poultry houses mean efficient production. Efficient production means lower costs."

The sector representative formulated other solutions around encouraging farmers and rural populations to return to farming by promoting reverse migration. Sezer stated, "People will only go back if they can make money."

GOOD NEWS ON EXPORTS IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER

Müjdat Sezer, the Chairman of the Istanbul Fisheries and Animal Products Exporters Association (İSHİB), shared significant updates on the country's white meat export figures and ongoing processes with various regions during the program. Sezer noted that the export share in the sector stands at 17%. Although export figures dropped in May 2024 due to the export quota imposed, Sezer highlighted that the gradual removal of the quota by the ministry has been a positive development.

OPENING EXPORTS TO EU WOULD BE SIGNIFICANT

A significant milestone has been reached regarding white meat exports to the European Union. Sezer emphasized that Turkish companies are at a critical stage in their efforts to export further processed products to the EU. He said, “There have been intense efforts from the Ministries of Agriculture and Trade. Eight Turkish companies were authorized to export advanced processed products such as nuggets, schnitzels, and doner. The EU required these to be produced with EU-origin raw meat. Now, however, six Turkish companies are undergoing inspections. There is a 99% chance that these companies will successfully pass the inspection. If this happens, it will be a major event. We are in the approval process.” 

IRAQ TO MAINTAIN PRICE ADVANTAGE FOR TURKISH PRODUCTS

Iraq stands out as an important export market for the Turkish white meat sector due to its geographic proximity, price disadvantage, and structural issues. At times, the Iraqi market alone has accounted for 60-70% of Turkey's white meat exports. However, due to Iraq’s efforts to increase its own production, this share has now dropped to around 45%. And quite recently, the export situation has come to a standstill due to the Iraqi government's decision to close border gates. Sezer pointed out that this issue is more politically than economically driven. He explained that Iraq has been relying on its own stock and continues to import from countries like Brazil and the United States, saying, "Iraq is trying to increase its own production, but it will never be able to produce as cheaply as we do. The share of the Iraqi market in our exports will gradually decrease, but it will not hit zero. Also, they don’t just buy from Turkey, as you know. They also import from Brazil and the U.S. However, there is a political ban on Turkish products."

SAUDI ARABIAN MARKET TO REOPEN AFTER 5 YEAR-FREEZE

Sezer mentioned expecting a revival in the Saudi Arabian market, which has been closed for Turkish firms since 2020. He pointed out that the closure was due to political reasons, and he anticipates this situation will change. Sezer stated, “Many Turkish companies are in the process of obtaining the halal certification required for exports to Saudi Arabia. They are highly likely to get the certification, and there will be a revival in that market.”

SYRIA MARKET TO ENTER AN UPWARD TREND

After a long internal war and a recent tumultuous regime change, positive developments are expected in the Syrian market as well. Through the Ministry of Trade’s efforts, taxes on products such as oil and flour have been reduced, enabling hatching and table eggs, as well as white meat, to become "marketable." Sezer emphasized the importance of the Syrian market for Turkey, stating, “Syria will also enter an upward trend from our perspective.”