Turkish durum wheat tenders stalled amid low price offers, strategic market protection

TURKIYE – The Turkish Grain Board (TMO) has halted recent export tenders for high-quality durum wheat due to unsatisfactory price offers, signaling a strategic pause in its grain export activities to safeguard market value and support domestic stability.

The tenders, held on December 4, 2024, and March 27, 2025, involved top-grade durum wheat (75% vitreousness, 78 hectoliters, 12.5% protein), but failed to meet TMO’s pricing expectations and were ultimately not approved.

This move reflects TMO’s ongoing policy to protect Turkey’s grain markets from devaluation amid global fluctuations.

The authority stated it would continue to execute its sales policies transparently and in phases. Domestic sales began in September 2024, export-oriented sales followed in December 2024, and processed goods export sales kicked off in February 2025. Presently, domestic and processed goods sales remain active.

In contrast to the high-quality wheat tenders, TMO has opened exports for lower-quality durum wheat (50% vitreousness, 77 hectoliters, 12% protein) since February 2025.

Priced at US$320 per ton, roughly US$40 more than domestic prices for the same quality, this surplus product has seen significant uptake, with 90,000 tons already sold. TMO continues to evaluate further export inquiries for this lower tier.

The decision to halt high-quality wheat tenders comes after a record-breaking 2023/24 season, during which Turkey became the world’s second-largest exporter of durum wheat, moving approximately 1.5 million metric tons.

A robust harvest, favorable weather conditions, currency advantages from the weak lira, and increased support for domestic producers helped propel exports, particularly to markets affected by Canadian droughts.

According to Reuters, Turkey’s durum exports offered relief to global pasta producers, including Italy, who faced limited supply and soaring prices due to climatic issues in other key producing regions.

With its increasing influence, Turkey has expanded durum wheat acreage in 2024/25 to sustain its output and capitalize on the rising global demand (Reuters, March 2024).

TMO emphasized its continuous dialogue with industry stakeholders, both domestically and internationally.

Through regular meetings and transparent updates, the agency reassures processors, traders, and policymakers of its readiness to manage wheat stocks responsibly while adapting to shifting market conditions.

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