The sector's exports have been on an upward trajectory in recent years, thanks to the increasing popularity of Turkish seafood products in overseas markets.

In the first half of 2023, the most exported fish species was sea bream, which contributed 263 million dollars to the sector's export revenue. Sea bass exports also registered a notable growth of 10%, reaching 215.7 million dollars.

Salmon, trout, and bluefin tuna were also among the top export performers, with their export values increasing by 34%, 18%, and 43%, respectively.

The Aquatic Products and Animal Products Exporters' Association (APPEA) has set ambitious goals for the sector, with the aim of reaching 1.8 billion dollars in exports in 2023 and 2 billion dollars in exports in 2024.

The Aegean region is a major contributor to Türkiye's aquatic products sector, accounting for 68% of the country's total share. The Aegean Aquatic Products and Animal Products Exporters' Association (AAPPA) has been actively engaged in promotional activities at food fairs in various countries, including the United States, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, and Spain.

The AAPPA plans to continue its promotional efforts in the second half of 2023, targeting Singapore, Kenya, Spain, Germany, Russia, and the occupied Palestinian territories.

The growth of Türkiye's aquatic products sector is a testament to the quality and popularity of Turkish seafood products. The sector is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, as more and more people around the world discover the delicious and healthy taste of Turkish seafood. (ILKHA)