The Turkish flour industry completed the year 2025 by maintaining its production capacity and export capabilities despite fluctuations in global trade. The sector exported 2,344,528 tonnes of wheat flour during the January–December 2025 period, generating revenue of 873.2 million dollars.
Operating under the umbrella of the Turkish Flour Industry Federation (TUSAF), the Turkish flour industry plays a strategic role in Turkey’s food supply security with its strong production infrastructure and extensive export network. The sector contributes to foreign trade through its exports to dozens of countries, while also supporting the economy through the employment and added value it creates.
Despite a decline in the export rate compared to the previous year, the sector maintained its market diversity and performed strongly, particularly in the Middle East, Africa and some distant markets. The average export price rose to approximately $373 per tonne. In December 2025, 208,020 tonnes of flour were exported, generating $74.8 million in export revenue. The December data showed that the sector performed steadily in the last month of the year, remaining close to the same period of the previous year.
Mehmet Mesut Çakmak, Chairman of the Board of Directors of TUSAF, made the following assessment regarding the export performance in 2025: “In 2025, we completed our exports at approximately 2 million 345 thousand tonnes, a 22.5 per cent decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at it on a monthly basis, we see that our December export figures were largely similar to those of December 2024. In the coming period, we aim to take on more responsibility as a sector, boost our performance again, and reach an export figure of 3 million tonnes in 2026.”
Syria was the fastest-growing market for the Turkish flour industry in 2025
In 2025, there was a noticeable rebalancing among markets in the export performance of the Turkish flour industry. Strong increases were recorded in some markets, particularly Syria. In December 2025, wheat flour exports to Syria reached 56,972 tonnes and $19.7 million, showing a 41.3 per cent increase in volume and a 48.8 per cent increase in value compared to the same month of the previous year.
Throughout the year, exports to Syria reached 629,727 tonnes and 214.3 million dollars. This performance made Syria one of the fastest-growing markets for the Turkish flour industry.
While there was a decline in export volume in the Iraqi market during the same period, increases in Africa, the Middle East and some distant markets demonstrated the sector’s market diversity and flexibility. Increases recorded in Ghana, Somalia, Cuba, Indonesia and some African countries supported the strong position in alternative markets.
Turkish flour industry performance in 2025 and targets for 2026
In 2025, 2,344,528 tonnes of wheat flour were exported, generating $873.2 million in export revenue. While Istanbul and Gaziantep maintained their leadership in exports on a provincial basis, increases recorded in provinces such as Çorum, Aydın, Bursa, and Edirne demonstrated that the sector has a geographically widespread and balanced production-export structure.
Having completed 2025 with a strong production infrastructure and extensive market network, the sector is preparing for 2026 with more ambitious targets. The export target of 3 million tonnes set for 2026 reflects confidence in the sector’s production capacity and experience in global markets.
TUSAF 20th International Congress and Exhibition to shape the sector’s roadmap
The TUSAF 20th International Congress and Exhibition, to be held at the Antalya Kaya Palazzo Hotel from 12 to 15 February 2026, will be an important meeting point that will shape the future of the sector. Held under the theme of ‘Climate Resilience and the Future of Trade,’ the congress will address sustainable production, supply chain management, and the changing dynamics of global trade. The congress will play a decisive role in shaping the roadmap for the Turkish flour industry for 2026 and beyond.