Turkey extended tariff-free grain import through April 2021

17 December 2020, 17:10

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Turkey has extended the period of zero import duty on wheat, barley and corn until April 30, 2021, Refinitiv Agriculture writes.

"According to Refinitiv trade flow models, Turkey will import about 214,000 tons of Black Sea wheat and 192,000 tons of Baltic wheat during the first half of December 2020," the message reads.

In the second half of 2020/21, an increase of wheat supplies is expected as the Turkish Grain Board TMO has already booked 400,000 tons of wheat for January 8-25 loading period.

As reported, like last season, TMO is actively purchasing wheat on international markets in the current marketing year to stabilize domestic prices and support local flour producers.

As a reminder, the Turkish government temporarily lowered customs duties on imports of wheat, barley and corn. According to a Turkish presidential decree, customs duties of 45% on wheat, 35% on barley and 25% on corn imports will be applied as zero percent until the end of 2020.

Related: Thumbs up or Thumbs Down: Does the Booming Corn Export Endanger the Domestic Market?

As of Dec. 16, the export of wheat from Ukraine totalled 12.17 mln t, corn 7.23 mln t, barley 3.74 mln t. Agricultural commodities shipment dropped by 3.82 mln t or 13.8% from the prior year's comparative period.