Turkey's dried fruit exports reach $752 million in first half of 2026
Turkey's dried fruit sector exported $752 million in the first half of 2026, with the Aegean union EKMİB delivering $465 million, or 62%. Britain led destinations at $81 million while Germany overtook the United States. Ankara targets $2 billion for the full year.
Aegean union delivers 62% of Turkey's dried fruit exports
Turkey's dried fruit sector generated $752 million in exports during the first half of 2026, holding its position in world markets, according to ekonomim.com. The Aegean Dried Fruit and Products Exporters' Union (EKMİB) accounted for $465 million of that total, or 62%, confirming the region as the country's main supply base for seedless raisins, dried apricots and dried figs, products in which Turkey is the global leader.
EKMİB shipped to 94 countries in the first six months, the same report said. Yusuf Gabay, president of the union and coordinator for sustainability and organic products at the Aegean Exporters' Unions, said Turkey is a trusted supplier not only on production capacity but also on quality, food safety and sustainability. The concentration of exports in a single region gives importers a clear picture of where Turkish supply originates.
Britain leads, Germany overtakes the United States
The United Kingdom remained the top destination with $81 million in purchases. Germany moved into second place with $55.2 million, edging past the United States, which took third at $54.8 million. France bought $40.7 million and Italy $30.5 million. The top five markets together absorbed $262 million, or 56% of EKMİB's exports, underlining how concentrated the trade remains in Europe and the United States. For exporters, the narrow gap between Germany and the US signals shifting demand at the top of the table.
New markets in India and the Far East
Gabay said the European Union and the United States remain traditional markets where Turkey holds a strong position, while the union is targeting growth in the Far East and South Asia. He pointed to the TURQUALITY promotional project in India as a vehicle for expanding in that market and raising the global brand value of Turkish dried fruit. That push reflects an effort to diversify beyond mature Western buyers toward faster-growing Asian demand.
$2 billion year-end target
Turkey aims to reach $2 billion in dried fruit and derivative exports by the end of 2026, with the Aegean region expected to contribute $1.2 billion. Gabay said the sector expects an export recovery in the second half on the back of larger harvests of seedless raisins, dried apricots and dried figs. Larger crops would ease supply pressure for importers who faced tighter availability earlier in the year, and could soften prices in the second half.
