Turkish vegetables pose great competition for European farmers

Turkey has already fulfilled more than 90% of the import quotas for tomatoes in Russia, which is 200 KMT in total. Iran is Turkey's biggest competitor in fresh vegetables in the Russian market. Turkey has officially asked for the import quotas to be lifted by Russia.
On the other hand, Turkey is expected to fulfill the import quotas of fresh vegetables to EU countries until the end of June this year and after this period there will be an import duty of 14% incurred on Turkish vegetables.
Turkish tomatoes and fresh vegetables in general pose a threat in terms of their price competitiveness caused by the weak local currency of Turkish lira.
Currently, the import prices of tomato to the EU countries, including Bulgaria, are at around 0,54 - 0,60 €/kg. The price level of Turkish tomatoes is worrying for the local Bulgarian producers which expect a rise of 2% in their production volumes and reach 148 KMT.
On the other hand, fresh pepper production is expected to increase by 5% compared to last year and reach 59 KMT.