The Crisis in the Strait of Hormuz Could Return Turkey to Its Role as a Grain Corridor

This is reported by AgroReview

The escalation of the situation around the Strait of Hormuz, triggered by recent strikes from the US and Israel on Iran, has significantly impacted the movement of goods through this strategic waterway. The Strait of Hormuz remains a key route for global energy and agricultural trade, and its blockage could lead to serious consequences for global food security and energy resource prices.

Turkey as a Potential Hub for a New Trade Corridor

Professor Bulent Gulchubuk from the Faculty of Agriculture at Ankara University emphasizes that in the event of the strait’s closure, there will be an increase in the costs of energy resources, fertilizers, logistics, and insurance for the entire agricultural sector. He highlights that all stages of agricultural production and supply, including the use of fuel, electricity, transportation, and storage, directly depend on stable energy supplies. Even short-term disruptions can provoke significant price increases.

“Gulchubuk stressed that the most affected will be developing countries or those with food security issues. He believes that Turkey could become an important regional hub, ensuring a stable flow of food and energy, as it did during the ‘grain corridor’ amid Russia’s war against Ukraine.”

In his opinion, Turkey has the opportunity to utilize its ports, warehouses, and developed logistics networks to support the uninterrupted movement of goods. This will not only strengthen the country’s food security but also increase transit revenues and create new jobs in the logistics sector.

The Importance of the Strait of Hormuz for Agricultural Markets

Professor Zeki Bayramoglu, head of the Department of Agricultural Economics at Selcuk University, emphasizes that the strategic role of the Strait of Hormuz extends far beyond the energy sector. Approximately one-third of global fertilizer volumes, including sulfur and ammonia, which are crucial for modern agriculture, are transported through this strait.

Bayramoglu notes that due to the lack of alternative routes for large vessels, disruptions in the strait could significantly reduce fertilizer supplies, which would affect global prices and the availability of agricultural products. He drew parallels with the crisis in the Black Sea in 2022, when the blockage of a major maritime route disrupted global food logistics.

In response to these challenges, Bayramoglu proposed the creation of an initiative for a ‘Safe Passage for Food and Fertilizers,’ which could be coordinated from Istanbul with the participation of importing and exporting countries, logistics companies, and international organizations. According to him, Turkey has already demonstrated its ability to effectively mediate in such situations, but the implementation of this plan requires the readiness of governments and established technical preparedness for rapid response to crisis circumstances.