Turkey Leads the World in Apricot Production: 2024 Data and Export Successes
“Turkey Leads the World in Apricot Production”
ANKARA – 27.06.2024 – Şemsi Bayraktar, President of the Turkish Union of Agricultural Chambers (TZOB), issued a written statement announcing the start of the apricot harvest. According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in 2022, a total of 3.863 million tons of apricots were produced worldwide on an area of 558,000 hectares. Bayraktar highlighted that Turkey’s production of 803,000 tons accounts for 20.8% of global apricot production, placing the country in the leading position. Uzbekistan follows in second with a 11.7% share at 451,000 tons, while Iran ranks third with a 7.9% share, producing 305,000 tons. A significant portion of global apricot production is used for fresh consumption.
According to TÜİK (Turkish Statistical Institute) data, in 2023, Turkey produced 750,000 tons of apricots on an area of 1.45 million decares. Malatya accounted for 43.8% of this production, yielding 328,767 tons, making it the highest-producing province. Mersin followed in second place with 156,950 tons, while Kahramanmaraş, Hatay, and Iğdır each held a 5% share. Last year’s production of 750,000 tons is projected to increase by 6.7% this year, reaching an estimated 800,000 tons.
“Turkey is the Leader in Fresh and Dried Apricot Exports”
According to FAO, in 2022, 362,000 tons of fresh apricots were exported globally, valued at 472 million dollars, while dried apricot exports amounted to 134,000 tons worth 514 million dollars. Turkey is the leading exporter in both categories worldwide.
TÜİK data indicates that Turkey’s export revenue from apricots and related products in 2023 reached 503.353 million dollars. A total of 142,021 tons of apricots were exported, including 71,486 tons of fresh and 70,535 tons of dried apricots. Revenue from fresh apricot exports was 58.634 million dollars, while dried apricot exports generated 402.178 million dollars. The income from dried apricot exports underscores the importance of exporting value-added products. Turkey must leverage its leadership in global apricot production and exportation as an advantage.
“Traders are Driving Down Market Prices”
Producers are eager to receive fair compensation for their high-quality apricot production. Above-normal temperature levels have led to an earlier onset of the harvest. Although harvesting continues in the Malatya region, apricot prices remain at last year’s levels. Traders are capitalizing on the high yield, selling apricots at previously established prices. Fresh apricots, which sold for 30 Turkish Lira last year, are priced at 33 Lira this year. Dried apricot prices have similarly declined; prices that reached 200 Lira last year have dropped to 130-140 Lira this year.
In the past year, fuel prices have risen by 109%, fertilizer prices by 37%, and pesticide prices by 67%. Producers are also reporting increased costs due to higher irrigation fees and more frequent irrigation. Labor costs, which were 450 Lira last year, have skyrocketed to around 1000 Lira.
“Apricot Prices Are Far From Covering Rising Costs”
In May, producer prices for dried apricots which were 140 Lira began selling in markets for 362.76 Lira. As it becomes more difficult for producers to cover their expenses, dried apricots are being sold in stores at prices 160% higher. The trend toward healthy eating has increased the demand for dried apricots in recent years. However, this increase is not adequately reflected in farm gate prices, leaving producers at a disadvantage.
“TMO Should Support Our Producers”
Following last year’s earthquake disaster, many apricot orchards were destroyed, impacting the livelihoods of producers. It is crucial for the Agricultural and Credit Cooperatives (TMO) to purchase dried apricots to help increase market prices and provide support to producers facing rising costs.
Source: Tarım Haberleri
John Peterson graduated with a degree in Agricultural Sciences from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. His specialization is in sustainable crop production and soil health management. John is passionate about integrating modern technology with traditional farming methods to enhance productivity while preserving the environment. He currently works as a consultant, helping farmers adopt sustainable practices.