Turkish cherry exports recovered strongly, with export volume soaring more than 10 times

Turkish cherry exports have recovered this year.

Turkish cherries were hit hard by a severe frost last year but are enjoying a strong recovery this year. The latest data shows that as of August 10 this year, Turkish cherry exports have reached 68,737 tons, a surge of more than 10 times compared with the same period last year, generating US$235 million (approximately NT$7.42 billion) in foreign exchange revenue.

According to comprehensive foreign media reports, Türkiye is the global cherry production center. Cengiz Balık, chairman of the Aegean Seafood, Fruit and Vegetable Exporters (EİB) Association, said that Türkiye’s cherry production ranks first in the world, and its exports rank among the top 3 to 4 in the world. Last year, cherries suffered a frost when they were in their flowering stage, resulting in a severe impact on production and a sharp decline in exports; this year, they have rebounded strongly.

Data shows that from January 1 to August 10, 2025, Turkey exported only 6,040 tons of cherries, with export revenue of US$47.72 million (approximately NT$1.51 billion); during the same period this year, export volume surged to 68,737 tons, with export revenue reaching US$235 million (approximately NT$7.42 billion). Balak pointed out that compared with the same period last year, cherry export volume this year increased by approximately 1,038%, and foreign exchange earnings increased by 392%.

Not only are Turkish cherries sold in greater numbers, overseas markets are also expanding rapidly. Last year, Turkish cherries were sold to 34 countries. This year, the number has increased to 52 countries, including 21 markets including Spain, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, the United Kingdom and Ireland. They are all markets that have re-entered or been exported to for the first time this year. The largest buyer is still Germany, which has imported Turkish cherries worth US$74 million (approximately NT$2.33 billion) this year.