Turkey's Trout Exports: $217M in H1, Diversifying Markets

In the first half of 2025, Turkey's trout industry delivered an impressive export performance. According to data released by the Eastern Black Sea Exporters' Association (DKİB), the country exported a total of 32,000 tons of trout during this period, with an export value reaching $217 million, demonstrating strong growth resilience in the global aquatic products trade landscape.​

Unique Farming Model Lays Competitive Foundation​

Turkey's trout farming model is distinctive, with its life cycle undergoing a "dual-environment cultivation" process from inland farms to Black Sea seawater cages. This model not only ensures the stable growth of fry during the early stage but also enhances the firmness and flavor of the fish meat through the experience in the seawater environment, earning it a unique competitive edge in the international market.​

Diversified Market Layout: From Core to Emerging​

In terms of export destinations, Turkey's trout has initially established a global presence, being exported to 25 countries and regions in the first half of the year:​

• Russia: As a traditional core market, it contributed $150 million in export value, accounting for nearly 70% of the total export value;​

• Belarus: Followed closely with an export value of $20.5 million;​

• Japan: With an export value of $15.77 million, it has become an important growth point in the Asian market;​

• Azerbaijan: Joined Turkey's trout export map in the first half of the year, contributing to the market diversification strategy.​

Long-Term Goal: Targeting Annual Export of $500 Million​

Facing the complex and ever-changing international economic and trade environment, the Eastern Black Sea Exporters' Association (DKİB) is actively promoting market expansion and brand promotion activities, clearly setting a long-term goal of exceeding $500 million in annual export revenue.​

Currently, Turkish trout, with its stable quality and highly competitive prices, has established an initial customer base in regions such as Europe and Central Asia. It is expected to further expand its reach in the future through the improvement of cold chain logistics systems.​

From the perspective of global aquatic products trade, the export performance of Turkish trout reflects the rising path of regional characteristic aquaculture — supported by unique breeding technologies and relying on a diversified market layout, gradually building an irreplaceable industrial advantage in international competition. With the deepening of its globalization strategy, Turkish trout is expected to occupy a more important position in the global high-quality aquatic product supply chain.​