Rapeseed market Turkey

Earlier Report Observations

The rapeseed market in Turkey began to develop from a relatively low base, with production reaching 125 thousand tons in 2018. Government intervention played a decisive role: in 2019, the Ministry of Agriculture launched a support program offering a premium of 500 TL per kilogram, which spurred farmers to expand planting areas, particularly in the Thrace and Mediterranean regions. This led to a sharp rise in domestic output to 180 thousand tons and lifted the total market volume to 182.5 thousand tons that year. After a dip in 2020, production rebounded to 140 thousand tons in 2021, driven by continued subsidies—now 80 kuruş per kilogram—and a focused expansion of cultivation across 15 provinces. The growing use of rapeseed for biodiesel production provided an additional demand pull.

A major shift occurred in 2022 when the Russia‑Ukraine war prompted Turkish authorities to eliminate customs duties on sunflower, rapeseed, corn, and palm oils until the end of June. This measure drastically reduced the cost of imported rapeseed, causing imports to jump from 14.9 thousand tons in 2021 to 81.9 thousand tons in 2022. As a result, the overall market size surged to 225.6 thousand tons, even though domestic production increased moderately to 150 thousand tons. The following year, however, the market contracted to 196.5 thousand tons as production fell back to 120 thousand tons.

Production rapeseed Turkey

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, Turkey ranked as the 30th largest producer of rapeseed between 2017 and 2020.

Top producers of rapeseed, 2017-2020

World map of production of rapeseed, 2017-2020

The rapeseed market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Production volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a threefold difference between these years. In 2020, Turkey produced 121.5 thousand tons of rapeseed, which represents a 32.5% decrease compared to 2019. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 180.0 thousand tons, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018 at 108.3%.

Annual dynamics of production Turkey in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports rapeseed to Turkey

Exports in kind, t

Turkey's rapeseed exports grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 9 468 tons, showing a slight increase of 1.1% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2020, exports rose by 81%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 21.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports to Turkey in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, France, and Romania were the leading destinations for Turkey's rapeseed exports by volume. The Netherlands accounted for 47.1% of exports, France for 24.9%, and Romania for 13.7%. Together, these three countries represented 85.6% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports to Turkey in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Turkey's rapeseed exports in value terms increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 6 443 thousand US dollars, marking a sharp rise of 62.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2020, export value grew by 131.3%, which translates to an annualized rate of 32.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports to Turkey in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017–2020, the Netherlands, France, and Romania remained the primary markets for Turkey's rapeseed exports by value. The Netherlands held a 38.5% share, France 36.0%, and Romania 12.9%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 87.3% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports to Turkey in value, 2017-2020

Imports rapeseed in Turkey

Imports in kind, t

The import market for rapeseed in Turkey showed significant volatility during these years. Imports hit their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2018, with a 2.6-fold variation between these two years. In 2020, Turkey imported approximately 29 745 tons of rapeseed, representing a dramatic increase of 151.5% compared to 2019. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 11 828 tons, while the maximum was in 2018 at 30 374 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 61.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports in Turkey in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Bulgaria, and Ukraine formed the key group of partners for Turkey's rapeseed imports by volume. Russia accounted for 26.2% of imports, Bulgaria for 17.1%, and Ukraine for 11.8%. Together, these three countries represented 55.2% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports in Turkey in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Market performance in value terms showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. Imports varied 4.5-fold between the maximum in 2017 and the minimum in 2019. In 2020, Turkey imported rapeseed worth 5 881 thousand US dollars, up by 153.9% compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 5 881 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a decrease of 59.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports in Turkey in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Over 2017–2020, Russia, Croatia, and Bulgaria were the largest suppliers of rapeseed to Turkey in value terms, though they did not dominate the market. Russia accounted for 19.8% of imports, Croatia for 13.6%, and Bulgaria for 12.7%. Together, these three countries represented 46.1% of total import value, with numerous smaller partners making up the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports in Turkey in value, 2017-2020