Turkey Increases Lentil Imports Due to Decrease in Domestic Harvest in 2025

In the 2025/26 season, Turkey significantly increased its lentil purchases from foreign markets due to a substantial reduction in its own harvest of this crop. According to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute, lentil production in the country fell to 260,000 tons in 2025, compared to 476,000 tons in the previous year. The decrease in yield is associated with adverse weather conditions, leading to a rise in demand for imports.

This is reported by AgroReview

Main Suppliers and Import Dynamics

According to the Turkish Customs Service, from July to October of the 2025/26 marketing year, the volume of lentil imports to Turkey amounted to 243,000 tons. In comparison, during the same period last year, the country imported only 181,000 tons. The main exporters of lentils to the Turkish market remain Canada, Kazakhstan, and Russia. At the same time, the structure of supplies is gradually changing.

Changes in Supplier Geography

“Analysts note a gradual decrease in Canada’s share, while Kazakhstan and Russia are strengthening their positions.”

Thus, Canada’s share among suppliers is decreasing, while Kazakhstan and Russia are increasing their lentil exports to Turkey. Experts predict that the trend of rising import purchases will continue until the end of the current season, considering the deficit in domestic production and the need to meet internal demand.