Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Turkey is a net importer of dried cloves under HS 090700, but it also re-exports a smaller volume to nearby and trans-Mediterranean markets. In 2024, WITS reported imports of about $3.86 million and exports of about $2.21 million. Supply is diversified across Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Comoros, and India, while domestic handling is shaped by risk-based plant-origin import controls and spice-communique compliance. The market therefore behaves as an import-dependent spice distribution market rather than a production center.
Market RoleNet importer with re-export activity
Domestic RoleImport-dependent spice ingredient market for households, food manufacturing, and spice blending
Market GrowthGrowing (2023-2024)Import value rose year on year between 2023 and 2024.
SeasonalityYear-round availability is driven by imports rather than domestic harvest.
Specification
Primary VarietySyzygium aromaticum
Physical Attributes- Whole dried flower buds
- Dark brown color
- Strong aromatic profile
- Low visible foreign matter
Compositional Metrics- Volatile oil content
- Moisture content
- Foreign matter limits
- Residue compliance
Grades- Conformity with Turkish Food Codex spice requirements
- Importer lot specification
- Border inspection pass criteria
Packaging- Moisture-barrier bulk cartons or sacks
- Retail sachets or jars
- Batch-coded packs for traceability
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Origin harvest and drying -> export packing -> sea freight -> Turkish port entry -> pre-notification and shipment notification -> document/identity/physical control -> wholesale distribution or re-export
Temperature- No cold chain is required, but dry storage is important to avoid moisture pickup and mold
Atmosphere Control- Sealed, dry, odor-free packaging helps protect volatile aroma and prevents caking
Shelf Life- Shelf life is relatively long when sealed and dry, but aroma gradually declines with age and poor storage
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighIf pre-notification, certificate data, label details, or lab results do not match the shipment, Turkey can reject the lot at the border; compliant lots are released only after official control and a conformity letter.Pre-clear every document against the Turkish checklist and align supplier, lot, and certificate data before shipment.
Food Safety MediumCloves are exposed to residue, contamination, and adulteration checks, so a failed laboratory result can stop customs release or trigger special processing.Run pre-shipment testing for residues, microbiology, and foreign matter, and keep retention samples.
Logistics MediumMost inbound cloves travel from Asian and Indian Ocean suppliers by sea, so port congestion or sailing delays can disrupt replenishment and re-export orders.Hold buffer stock and diversify vessel schedules and entry ports where possible.
Market / Price Volatility MediumTurkey's supply is concentrated in a few origins, especially Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Comoros, and India, so weather or harvest shocks in those origins can move landed prices.Split sourcing across multiple origins and avoid single-origin dependency on spot purchasing.
Sustainability / Labor MediumUpstream labor and traceability standards in origin-country spice chains remain a procurement screen, especially for smallholder cleaning, drying, and repacking operations.Require supplier audits, chain-of-custody records, and corrective-action tracking.
Sustainability- Supplier traceability across multi-origin spice sourcing
- Origin-country pesticide residue management
- Warehouse moisture and mold prevention
Labor & Social- Upstream labor screening in origin-country smallholder and plantation supply chains
- Traceability of cleaning, sorting, and repacking operations
Standards- HACCP
- ISO 22000
- BRCGS Food Safety
FAQ
Why is Turkey considered a net importer of dried cloves?Turkey imported about $3.86 million of cloves in 2024 and exported about $2.21 million, so it still depends on imports even though it also re-exports some volume.
Which countries supply most of Turkey's cloves?In 2023, the largest suppliers were Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Comoros, and India.
What documents are commonly checked when cloves enter Turkey?The import file normally includes a pre-notification or shipment notification, the invoice, ingredient list, certificate of origin, a plant health or phytosanitary certificate, and the bill of lading.
What happens if a clove shipment fails Turkish inspection?It can be rejected, sent back, reprocessed, used for another purpose, or destroyed.
Are cloves covered by a specific Turkish food rule?Yes. Turkey's spice rules are covered by the Turkish Food Codex Spice Communiqué, which was updated in 2022.