Türkiye, which alone accounts for 25% of global pasta trade, has set ambitious goals in this market. Aykut Göymen, President of the Turkish Pasta Industrialists Association (TMSD), stated that this year’s pasta export target has been set at 1.5 million tons, with a 10% growth aimed for by 2025.
Aykut Göymen
During the World Pasta Day events on October 25, Aykut Göymen, President of the Turkish Pasta Industrialists Association (TMSD), evaluated Türkiye’s pasta sector and stated that the country ranks second in global pasta production. He said, “Our country has a total production capacity of 3 million tons. We have set our 2024 export target at 1.5 million tons, and in the first eight months, we have achieved approximately 985,000 tons in exports. Türkiye is the center of origin for durum wheat used in pasta production, with a significant portion of our production relying on this wheat. Currently, there are 25 producers in our sector, and all companies are taking the necessary steps in terms of technology and logistics. Türkiye also ranks second in global pasta exports.”
Regarding whether an increase in capacity is needed alongside the Turkish pasta industry’s export growth, he added, “Türkiye has a production capacity of 3 million tons. Currently, the existing capacities of our firms are sufficient. We produce a total of 2.2 million tons, consume 700,000 tons in the domestic market, and aim for 1.5 million tons in exports. Therefore, we have 800,000 tons of idle capacity. This is why there is no need for an increase in capacity.”
Regarding his thoughts on World Pasta Day, Göymen remarked, “October 25 is World Pasta Day. It was declared in 1997 at the suggestion of the International Pasta Organization (IPO). Since then, it has been celebrated worldwide. We also celebrate this special day in our country. Türkiye ranks second in pasta production and has very high export targets. Currently, we export to 166 countries, primarily to South America, Africa, and Japan. Notable countries include Venezuela, Ghana, Somalia, Japan, and China. Türkiye accounts for 25% of the world’s pasta trade.”
TURKISH PASTA SECTOR AIMS FOR GROWTH DESPITE TRADE OBSTACLES
Aykut Göymen, President of the TMSD, also provided assessments regarding the Turkish pasta sector’s goals for 2025, stating: “Our target for 2025 is to achieve 1,650,000 tons, which represents a 10% increase. Of course, the biggest obstacle we face is the quotas imposed by the European Union on Turkish pasta and the anti-dumping tariffs by the United States. We are continuing our efforts regarding the removal of EU quotas. As you know, Türkiye ranks second in the world in pasta production and exports after Italy. About 65-70% of Italy’s pasta exports go to EU countries. However, Türkiye’s exports to EU countries are limited to 20,000 tons. This figure corresponds to the production of some of our companies over just 3-5 days. Without the positive discrimination favoring Italy in Europe, we would be discussing an export figure of 2.5 million tons for pasta right now. This 20,000-ton quota is a hindrance for us.”