Turkish traders are actively exploring durum wheat imports as domestic prices remain significantly higher than global levels.

The Turkish Grain Board (TMO) has set its 2025 procurement price for durum wheat at 13500 lira/MT. With an additional government subsidy of 2520 lira/MT, the effective return to farmers rises to approximately 16020 lira/MT, or about 500/MT USD at current exchange rates.

In contrast, durum wheat from Canada and Mexico is being offered at much lower prices — around 320–330 USD/MT FOB — creating a considerable price gap that is increasingly attractive to importers.

Adding to the pressure, unfavorable weather in key growing regions of Southeast Anatolia has raised concerns over reduced yields and deteriorating crop quality this season.

Further complicating the picture is Turkey’s Inward Processing Regime (DIP). This system allows processors to import durum wheat duty-free, provided it is used for manufacturing products intended for export. However, such imports cannot be sold on the domestic market, limiting internal supply and keeping local prices elevated.

As a result, Turkey’s domestic durum wheat market continues to diverge from global benchmarks, underscoring the structural constraints that sustain the domestic price premium.