The growth of the Turkish poultry sector is ready to increase corn imports in my 2025-26
Türkiye began to harvest new corn plants in August, which is expected to arrive at the market in September, marking the beginning of the new marketing year for the country’s corn production.
In 2024-25 I (September-August), Türkiye imported a large number of corn from the Black Sea area, driven by profitable government policies and the growth of the poultry sector.
Turkish trade streams in 2024-25
Turkish corn imports jumped 45% from year to year in 2024-25, with Ukraine to become the main supplier, according to the data of the US Department of Agriculture. Romania, Russia, Serbia, and Moldova are other main suppliers, according to S&P Global Commodity Insights Analyst.
Data from the Ukraine Item Association shows that in July, Türkiye is the main goal of Ukraine corn, with an import volume of around 5.5 million MT. Traders believe some of these imports may have been sent to Iran.
“Because Russia does not issue an export quota for corn, attention naturally shifts towards Ukraine corn as a major alternative,” said market source from Türkiye.
The decline in domestic production and increased feed demand from the poultry sector contributed to the surge in imports. Market sources note that Turkish corn production is much shorter than the initial projection in the past year.
“Türkiye’s dependence on imported corn has intensified, re -forming procurement strategies in the feed, starch, and food processing strategies,” said Güneş Birgen, a commodity broker in Rotel.
Import quota for corn
During my 2024-25, four import quota for corn was introduced at various rates of tariffs in the Turkish market. Market participants see the quota as an urgent need to refill domestic supply because of low carryover stocks.
“The government responds with a timely decision to open an import quota,” said another broker from Türkiye. The second market participant added, “To stabilize the surge in suddenly domestic market prices, the government introduces a series of import quota, including the new surprise quota of 500,000 MT.”
The same broker anticipates that the new quota, perhaps around 2 million MT, will be introduced after the new year and remain valid until the end of the season.
This import quota is preferred by importers, mainly because the normal import tariff for corn reaches 130%. However, the importer noted that the cost of import documentation also increased significantly this year. An importer from Turkey explained, “Having a import document and the price at which he was bought is very important. At present, this document is worth $ 25. The price fluctuates based on the corn market in Turkey. We bought this document with prices between $ 3.50 and $ 27 over the past two years.”
The introduction of import quota also reflects increased demand for Ukraine corn, raising the price of Ukraine corn.
Corn Import Prospects for my 2025-26
The growth of the poultry sector is expected to further encourage corn imports in 2025-26. Market sources show that the Turkish poultry sector has shown stable growth throughout 2025, with the estimated production of chicken meat to reach the highest of all time, reflecting an increase of 8% year-to-year due to strong domestic demand.
“Corn demand is likely to increase a little, supported by sustainable growth in the poultry sector,” said a market participant from Istanbul.
This year’s domestic production is estimated to be equivalent to last season and the number of carryover stocks is also profitable. As a result, Türkiye can import corn volumes that are similar or higher than the current year.
“Turkish corn consumption is around 9-9.5 million MT. Given the expectations of planting, 8-8.5 million MT is anticipated this season; However, hot and dry weather has reduced this estimate to around 7-7.5 million MT. As a result, Turkey can import about 2.5 million MT from black marine countries, depending on price and quality,” said a trader from the region.
In addition, the origin of imported corn will mostly depend on the price and quality. Traders show that receiving Ukraine corn on Russian corn will significantly depend on whether Russia imposes an export quota on corn. Russian corn is very important in meeting the requirements of Turkish food level corn, while Ukraine corn is basically a feed grade.
The same Turkish broker said, “If Russia allows corn exports that are not limited, we can see imports split between Ukraine and Russia. If not, Ukraine will likely remain the main supplier.”
Meanwhile, the buyer of the Turkish feed factory said, “I will choose from Russia [corn] for quality. “
Koray Tuysuzoğlu, CEO of Erser Group, said, “Consumption of corn in feed is slightly increased; feed producers will prefer corn rather than wheat due to wheat deficits and local prices.”
Traders anticipate Türkiye’s imports between 2.5 million MT and 3.5 million MT in 2025-26.
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Source: S&P Global Platts
