By Busra Nur Ozcan

BURSA

Turkey's cherry exports may hit a record high this year by reaching some 85,000 tons with a value of $200 million, vice chairman of the Uludag Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters' Association (UYMSIB), said Wednesday.

In an exclusive interview, Senih Yazgan told Anadolu Agency that the producers are expecting a bumper crop of cherry this year.

"If we can get by the seasonal problems without difficulties, we believe that a significant amount of cherry export will be realized this year," Yazgan said.

Yazgan added that total cherry exports -- including the sales to Russian markets -- can even exceed 85,000 tons, after diplomatic tensions with Russia eased.

In January 2016, after Turkey downed a Russian fighter jet violating its airspace, Russia banned imports of Turkish fruits and vegetables including tomatoes, oranges, apples, apricots, cabbage, broccoli, mandarins, pears, peaches, cucumbers, plums, strawberries, onions, and cloves, and also poultry.

However, Russia relaxed trade sanctions placed on Turkey during the summer of 2017. 

Pointing the negotiations on a protocol update on exports to China, Yazgan said: "If it is achieved, the Far East markets will be more accessible for Turkish products."

According to the UYMSIB's umbrella organization Uludag Exporters' Association (UIB), Turkey's cherry export revenue rose 184 percent this January to May, compared to the same period last year.

The value of total cherry export of the country amounted to $53.8 million in the first five months of this year, up from $18.9 million over the same period last year.  

UIB figures also showed that the amount of cherry exports increased by 165 percent to 20,404 tons in the January-May period.

The highest export figure was recorded in 2016 -- amounting 78,700 tons with a revenue of $182.7 million -- and Turkey's cherry export totaled 65,000 tons last year while the yield was $159 million. In the light of five-month data, it is expected that the country's cherry export would reach an all-time peak.