The stagnation observed in export figures during the first quarter of 2026 (January-March) has been replaced by optimism following a record-breaking surge in April. Despite regional wars and economic bottlenecks, flour industrialists increased their exports by 37 percent on a quantity basis in April, boosting both volume and value, thereby renewing morale for year-end targets.

The Turkish flour sector, despite starting 2026 with a partial decline in exports, dispelled the pessimism within the industry with the April data. Mesut Çakmak, President of the Turkish Flour Industrialists' Federation (TUSAF), emphasized that the 37 percent growth following the decline in the first three months is a testament to the resilience of Turkish flour in the global market.

Evaluating the April data after the downturn in the first quarter, Çakmak stated: "We experienced a slight decline in our export figures during January, February, and March. However, the steps we took in April and the weight we gave to market diversification have borne fruit. We increased our flour exports from 156 thousand tons in April of last year to 215.8 thousand tons in the same period this year. This rise shows that our sector has shaken off its sluggishness."

"We Will Achieve Targets Deemed Incredible"

Noting that they signed off on 260 million dollars worth of exports corresponding to 713 thousand tons in the first four months of the year, Çakmak summarized the sector's vision with these words: “We know that we can exceed the 3-million-ton threshold by the end of 2026. We are a sector that remembers reaching the 3.6-million-ton level in the past. We are unrivaled in the field with our experience and quality. If we believe in our own potential and take the right steps, we can achieve targets called ‘impossible.’ Our fundamental goal is to increase our share in the 12-million-ton global flour trade to over 25%.”

Sectoral Responsibility in Fighting Inflation

Stating that flour industrialists have taken responsibility despite rising costs, the TUSAF President remarked: “Our labor costs have approached EU levels. Freight and energy costs pose a significant burden. Despite this, we kept price increases 10 points below inflation last year. In 2026, we will continue to contribute to the fight against inflation with the same dedication.”

Alternative Markets and Exports to the USA

Touching upon the bureaucratic hurdles and arbitrary practices experienced in the Iraqi market, Çakmak emphasized that market share would be regained once these issues are overcome. Highlighting the strength of Turkish flour in the global arena, Çakmak said: “We have consolidated our strength in markets such as Ghana, Somalia, Cuba, and Indonesia. Today, thanks to our high quality and specific product groups, we even export flour to the USA, which is considered one of the homelands of flour.”

Investments Focused on Türkiye

Stating that countries like Egypt, which possess cost advantages and customs union privileges, are trying to stand out in competition, Çakmak noted that the course of Turkish investors has not changed: “We do not have a single industrialist planning to invest in Egypt. We have made very serious technological investments in our own regions. We are determined to protect and develop these investments and make Türkiye the global center for flour.”