Iraq and Kurdistan Region maintain leadership in Turkey's grain and pulses exports
Maintaining its position as Turkey's largest market for grain and pulses exports with over $1.116 billion, Iraq and the Kurdistan Region led the sector, which reached $8.88 billion in the January-September 2026 period.
According to data from the Turkish Exporters Assembly, a total of $8,880,522,000 worth of cereals, pulses, and oilseeds was exported nationwide during the first nine months of 2026.
Export Volume and Value
Turkey's exports of cereals, pulses, and related products reached 7,891,000 tons in the January-September 2026 period. The total export value was recorded at $8,880,522,000.
Most Exported Products
Among the products exported in the January-September 2026 period, sunflower oil ranked first with $931,949,000. Chocolate and cocoa products ranked second with $780,791,000, while biscuit exports took third place with $764,962,000.
Export Distribution by Country
In the country-by-country ranking, Iraq and the Kurdistan Region took the top spot with purchases totaling $1,116,874,000, accounting for 12.6 percent of total exports. Iraq was followed by the US with $668 million and Syria with $402 million, respectively.
Global Supply and Sectoral Evaluations
Nihat Uysallı, Chairman of the Turkish Exporters Assembly's Cereals, Pulses, and Oilseeds Sector Board, emphasized that the climate crisis and logistical problems have affected food supply chains. Uysallı stated that reliable delivery in international trade has become more important than low price.