Hazelnut Export Structure and Developments of Türkiye
Chapter from the book:
Alpağut,
S.
(ed.)
2023.
Economics and Finance Studies.
Synopsis
Hazelnut is the second most widely cultivated nut in the world. Although it is mainly used in chocolate industry and pastry, it is also consumed as nuts. Türkiye produces approximately 2/3 of the world hazelnut production. After Türkiye, the other main producer countries are Italy, Azerbaijan, United States of America (USA), Chile and Georgia, respectively. Having 3/5 of the world's hazelnut export revenue, Türkiye is by far ahead in export as well as in production. Hazelnut exports constitute approximately one percent of Türkiye's total export income. This study aimed to examine the place of Türkiye in the world hazelnut foreign trade and the structure of and developments in Türkiye's hazelnut export. The main secondary data were obtained from the databases and websites of the official institutions. World hazelnut foreign trade and Türkiye's hazelnut export structure and the developments since 2012 were presented using tables, figures and ratios. Processed hazelnuts constitute 42% of Türkiye's total hazelnut exports. Türkiye's hazelnut export amount in 2022 constitutes 0,7% of its total exports, 5,1% of agricultural products exports and 8,1% of crop exports. Hazelnut has been produced for approximately twelve thousand years and it has been traded internationally for six centuries. World hazelnut production is approximately 1 million tons, of which 64,5% is produced by Türkiye. However, Türkiye's hazelnut yield is below the world average. The annual average hazelnut export in the period of 2012-2021 was 293 thousand tons and Türkiye met about 55,5%. Although Türkiye could increase hazelnut export in many countries over the years, it is dependent on the European Union countries and especially Germany, Italy and France in hazelnut export. In order to maintain its place in the world hazelnut market and increase its competitive power, Türkiye should take measures to increase efficiency and quality in hazelnut production immediately. The amount of value-added and branded products in hazelnut export should be increased. Dependency on European Union countries in hazelnut export should be reduced and studies should be carried out to find new markets.