Anchovies found buyers from 19 countries in the first half of the year

According to data compiled by an Anadolu Agency (AA) correspondent from the Eastern Black Sea Exporters' Association (DKİB), Turkey's anchovy exports , which were recorded as $ 7,164,329 in value between January and June 2024, increased by 3 percent in the same period this year, reaching $7,393,680.

Anchovy exports, which were 1,505 tons in the first half of last year, increased by 14 percent to 1,718 tons in the same period this year.

The highest demand for anchovies in January-June this year came from Belgium , France , and Germany . Anchovies worth $2,427,866 were exported to Belgium, $2,095,003 to France, and $1,129,750 to Germany. Unlike the same period last year, anchovies were also sold to Bulgaria and Syria.

"The steady increase in the first half of the year is promising for the rest of the season."

DKİB Deputy Chairman Ahmet Hamdi Gürdoğan told an Anadolu Agency (AA) reporter that anchovy, which has significant export potential among aquatic products, is also attracting interest as a processed product in international markets.

In this context, Gürdoğan stated that anchovy exports closed the first six months of the year with an increase, saying, "Demand for anchovies continues from European countries, especially Belgium, France, and Germany. These countries make up the majority of our exports. Exports to Belgium are particularly notable."

Pointing out the importance of exporting anchovies to new markets, Gürdoğan noted that Türkiye is increasing its capacity to export anchovies not only as fresh products but also in processed and value-added forms every day.

Gürdoğan stated that this situation has a positive impact on exports, saying, "Interest in processed seafood is growing globally . To capture this trend, our exporters continue to invest in improving the quality of their production and packaging processes."

Emphasizing that their targets for the second half of the year are higher, Gürdoğan said, "The steady increase achieved in the first half of the year is promising for the rest of the season. We believe that with favorable climatic conditions, a productive hunting season, and potential improvements in logistics, we will finish the year with much better figures."