Turkey says export of dairy products to China will resume

Turkey's exports of milk and other dairy products to China will resume, Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan said on May 21 and added that 54 Turkish companies will be able to export to China.

In a tweet, Pekcan said she welcomed the Chinese dairy market opening to Turkish exporters, after Chinese authorities deemed Turkey an exportable country.

"The obstacles to export of milk and dairy products have been lifted, thanks to intensive initiatives taken in coordination by the Agriculture and Trade Ministry and the Office of the Commercial Counsellor," Pekcan said.

She said 54 Turkish companies have been cleared to start exports to China, which is one of the world's largest dairy importers with a market worth nearly $6 billion.

According to a separate statement by the Trade Ministry, Turkish dairy companies exported $364 million worth of products around the world in 2019.

The ministry said Turkey will continue focusing on efforts to ensure market diversity and to increase market share of its agricultural products, especially dairy products, in China and Far Eastern countries.

It recalled that the two countries signed a protocol in November 2015 on veterinary and sanitary requirements for dairy products exported from Turkey to China.

In February, Turkey temporarily halted imports of livestock and animal fats from China over the coronavirus outbreak.

In 2018, a Chinese technical team visited Turkey as part of the implementation of the protocol.