On July 18, 2025, Turkey’s government published a strategic import policy for sunflower seeds and crude oil in Resmi Gazete.
Under the new ruling, Turkish processors who buy local seeds from farmers can import up to 1 million tons of sunflower seeds duty-free between January 12 and May 31, 2026.
Alternatively, they may import 400,000 tons of crude oil at a 20 percent preferential tariff.
The measure aims to boost domestic demand and prices for farmers while giving processors access to raw materials under favorable tax conditions.
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We must consider this Turkish decision in light of Moldova’s status as a key supplier of sunflower seeds to Turkey.
In 2024, Moldova shipped $69 million worth of sunflower seeds to Turkey, accounting for about 45 percent of its total agricultural exports to that market.
Under the Moldova–Turkey Free Trade Agreement, effective November 1, 2016, Turkey applies a 10% tariff to Moldovan seeds within agreed quotas and a 20% tariff to EU seeds.
This tariff edge keeps Moldova competitive in Turkey, especially given Ankara’s flexible trade policy that could draw imports from other sources.
Moldovan wines also enter Turkey duty-free within negotiated quotas. EU wines face tariffs up to 50 percent, granting Moldova a significant advantage in a growing market with commercial and symbolic value.
Turkey’s new sunflower-seed and crude-oil tariffs shield local farmers and keep processors running smoothly.
For Moldova, preserving preferential tariff treatment with Turkey remains essential to support its agricultural exports, especially in the sunflower-seed sector, a cornerstone of bilateral trade.