Ankara: Trkiye is well positioned to withstand short-term disruptions in global grain supplies as Black Sea tensions and severe drought in Europe threaten food security, an industry official said Wednesday. Eren Gunhan Ulusoy, president of the International Association of Operative Millers' Eurasia region, highlighted the country's preparedness against potential supply issues.
According to Anadolu Agency, Ulusoy emphasized that Trkiye's strong grain stocks and a successful domestic harvest would protect the local market from supply problems. "Trkiye's grain production was highly productive this year. With rainfall increasing 76% compared with last year, a new record in wheat production is within reach," Ulusoy stated. The country's wheat harvest is expected to reach 24.5 million tons, he added.
Ulusoy reassured that Trkiye is fully insulated from this short-term global supply crisis due to its robust domestic harvest and strong stock structure. "We do not expect any supply or procurement problems in the domestic market in the short or medium term," he added.
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict poses risks to global grain supplies, as both countries' port infrastructure and logistics networks have become targets. During the early stages of the conflict in 2022, Ukrainian ports were closed, while Russian ports remained operational. However, infrastructure on both sides is now vulnerable to attacks, Ulusoy warned.
Disruptions to exports from Russia and Ukraine, which contribute to about 30% of global wheat supplies, could directly affect international markets. Citing the latest US Department of Agriculture projections, Ulusoy noted Russia's wheat export forecast at 43 million to 46 million tons, while Ukraine's stands at around 13.5 million tons amid logistical constraints.
Ulusoy also pointed out that severe drought across Europe could present new export opportunities for Trkiye's flour and processed grain industries. As the export shares of Ukraine and Russia decline, and countries like the US, Canada, and Kazakhstan step in, Trkiye is positioned as a critical player capable of filling Europe's processed grain products gap, he said.
Trkiye's flour industry boasts an annual production capacity of 32 million tons, accounting for 23% of global flour trade, according to IAOM Eurasia. The country has maintained its status as the world's leading flour exporter for 11 consecutive years, according to the association.
The 5th IAOM Eurasia Conference and Exhibition will be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on September 28-29, bringing together more than 1,000 professionals from the grain, milling, logistics, and equipment industries.