ANKARA – Türkiye has introduced a new tariff quota for imports of oilseed sunflower seeds and crude sunflower oil, aiming to support domestic production, secure raw material supplies for the food industry and stabilize edible oil prices. The measure was enacted through a Presidential Decree published in the Official Gazette.
Under the decision, imports of 1.25 million metric tons of oilseed sunflower seeds will be allowed at zero customs duty, or alternatively 500,000 metric tons of crude sunflower oil may be imported under a 20% customs tariff. The quota will apply to imports carried out between January 11 and May 31, 2027.
Priority for Companies Purchasing Domestic Crops
The tariff quota will be allocated primarily to edible oil manufacturers that purchase domestically produced sunflower seeds during the July 1–November 30, 2026 harvest period. The government said the timing was designed to protect local farmers by ensuring imports begin only after domestic supplies have largely been exhausted.
Import licenses will be issued by the Ministry of Trade’s Directorate General of Imports and will not be transferable. Applications for the quota will be submitted electronically between December 1 and December 15, 2026, through Türkiye’s e-government portal or the Ministry’s online services platform.
Supporting Farmers While Stabilizing the Market
The Ministry of Trade said the measure is intended to encourage continued domestic sunflower cultivation while ensuring processors have access to raw materials once local production is depleted. Officials also said the policy aims to prevent supply shortages and protect consumers from speculative price increases in the edible oil market.
The ministry added that it will continue to monitor market supply, demand and price developments in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and industry stakeholders, pledging to introduce further measures when necessary to safeguard producers, manufacturers and consumers alike.
Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök