Turkey to reduce sunflower import duties amid events in the Black Sea region and drought in Europe

Turkey will reduce the import duty on sunflower seeds from 20% to 12% from October 1, 2026, although the lower rate was supposed to come into effect only from November 30.

The decision was made against the backdrop of growing tensions in the Black Sea region and risks to the supply of raw materials, the Turkish Ministry of Trade said.

The changes were agreed with the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

“The early reduction of the duty should allow local sunflower oil producers to purchase sufficient volumes of raw materials at reasonable prices in a timely manner and prevent consumer prices for refined oil from rising,” the ministry said.

Among the reasons for this decision: events in the Black Sea region and drought in Europe, which pose risks to the stability of sunflower seed supplies and could lead to price increases.

Turkey usually applies a 20% import duty during the harvest period to protect domestic producers. From November 30 to June 15, the rate is 12%. However, this year the transition to a lower tariff will occur almost two months earlier.

It should be noted that Turkey is the largest buyer of Ukrainian sunflower seeds. In July 2025 – June 2026 MY, the country imported 6.98 thousand tons from Ukraine, or 18.8% of total Ukrainian crop exports.

The Turkish Ministry of Trade stated that, together with other state bodies, it will continue to monitor the supply and demand balance and price dynamics and, if necessary, adjust trade policy.

Read also: Wheat on the world market rose to a three-year high due to risks for exports from the Black Sea.