Turkish Dried Apricot Market Shock

This overview of the dried‑apricot market draws on numerous personal interviews with Turkish producers as well as posted reports. The consensus is clear:  the supply outlook for Turkish Apricots is extremely tight, and there will not be adequate carryover to last through the 2026 harvest.

• Historic frost impact.  An unseasonal freeze in April devastated fruit crops across Türkiye. Officials describe it as “the most destructive [frost] in 30 years.”  Malatya Dried Apricot production in 2025 will be near zero.  Maintenance costs for damaged orchards have doubled, and in some orchards the freeze has even killed trees.
• Market turmoil and price spikes.  The Turkish apricot market is in chaos – raw material and export prices have surged 2X+, and many exporters are off the market.  Dried Sulfured Apricots are trading in a range of 350–400 TL/kg and Organic Apricots up to 850 TL/kg.   Trade in Malatya is largely at a standstill, and some producers have closed their plants; they don’t expect to reopen until the ‘26 season.
• Global implications.  Apricot pricing will be impacted across the EU, USA, the Middle East.  American buyers should prepare for much higher costs and significant shortages by February 2026.
• Record‑low production forecast.  The International Nut & Dried Fruit Council (INC) forecasts that Turkey’s 2025/26 dried‑apricot production will be just 2 000 metric tons, down from over 107 000 MT in a normal year.
• Alternative Sources.  The shortfall from Türkiye will be mitigated by a good crop in Central Asia.  Contact your account executive at GLIT for both Turkish and Central Asian quotations.

 
Great Lakes International Trading can help

• Diversified sourcing:  We can offer Fancy Whole, Industrial, and Diced Apricots from Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as well as Türkiye.
• Inventory planning:  We will work closely with you to forecast demand and match your needs to varietal options.
• Market intelligence:  We monitor global reports to provide timely updates on pricing and supply changes, so you can make informed decisions.