Turkey has announced a new import quota allowing the purchase of up to 1 million metric tons of animal feed corn. The decision, published in the Turkish Official Gazette on Wednesday, permits imports within this quota to be subject to a reduced customs duty. This move is part of Turkey's ongoing efforts to manage its agricultural market effectively and protect local producers from unpredictable economic fluctuations.

Last summer, Turkey imposed restrictions on grain imports to safeguard local farmers from declining prices following a successful harvest. This measure was implemented in response to concerns that increased grain imports could oversaturate the domestic market, causing prices to fall and reducing farmers' incomes. By limiting grain imports, the Turkish government aimed to maintain stability and ensure that farmers could earn fair returns on their produce. However, with changing economic conditions and new demands emerging in the livestock sector, the government has now introduced this new corn import quota.

According to the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture, this revised policy seeks to prevent speculative activities in the market, guarantee a stable supply of animal feed, and manage costs for the country’s livestock industry. By maintaining control over import levels, the ministry aims to support local producers while still ensuring that feed supplies remain sufficient to meet demand. The ministry further clarified that the import tender will remain active until the end of June this year, providing ample time for importers to fulfill their needs and adjust to the new regulations.

MarineLink reported that European traders have welcomed Turkey's decision, viewing it as a positive step that will generate fresh demand for corn. This new demand is expected to benefit corn exporters, particularly those located in the Black Sea region, including Ukraine and Romania. Given that these countries are prominent suppliers of agricultural commodities to Turkey, the development is seen as an encouraging sign for the broader grain trade industry.

A German trader expressed optimism about the development, stating, "This is excellent news for corn demand since Turkey has been largely absent from the market for several months." The trader further noted that if a peace agreement or ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine materializes, a substantial increase in corn shipments from Ukraine is anticipated. This would provide exporters with an additional sales outlet and potentially ease concerns over grain supply disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions in the region.

The introduction of this corn import quota highlights Turkey's ongoing efforts to balance domestic agricultural interests with international trade demands. By carefully managing import policies, the Turkish government seeks to protect its farmers while ensuring essential commodities like animal feed remain accessible and affordable. The move is also likely to influence regional trade dynamics, offering new opportunities for exporters in key grain-producing countries.