The Ticaret Bakanlığı (Türkiye’s Ministry of Trade) changed the customs duty schedule for imports of oilseed sunflower seeds to secure the supply of refined sunflower oil and prevent speculative price increases. In line with an agreement reached with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the date of the harvest-season tax measure aimed at protecting domestic sunflower producers was brought forward.
Reduced Duty to Take Effect Two Months Earlier
Under current legislation, a 20% customs duty is imposed on imports of oilseed sunflower seeds during the harvest season to protect domestic producers. After the end of the harvest period, the duty rate was reduced to 12% between November 30 and June 15. Under the new regulation, the start date for the reduced customs duty of 12% was brought forward from November 30 to October 1, 2026.
Drought and Regional Risks Played a Role in the Regulation
Global and regional agricultural conditions influenced the decision to bring the duty reduction forward by two months.
Commercial and logistical developments in the Black Sea basin, as well as the pressure that the severe drought intensifying across Europe could place on crop yields and raw material supplies, were taken into account. The ministry aims to ensure that sunflower oil producers can access the raw materials they need in a timely manner and at reasonable costs.
Market Balance and Consumer Prices to Be Monitored
The regulation aims to reduce manufacturers’ production costs and prevent potential adverse fluctuations in the retail prices of refined sunflower oil. Officials from the Ticaret Bakanlığı said they would continue to closely monitor supply-demand balances and price movements in the market in coordination with other relevant institutions.
In the official statement by Ticaret Bakanlığı (Türkiye’s Ministry of Trade), it was stated that the welfare of producers and consumers was being safeguarded simultaneously and that all measures required by market conditions would continue to be taken in a timely manner.