MOSCOW, August 7. /TASS/. Russia increased its exports of grain and grain processed products to Turkey by 67% year-on-year in January-July 2026, reaching 6.7 million tonnes, the Federal Center for Safety and Quality Assessment of Grain and Grain Products told TASS.

"In the first seven months of 2026, 6.7 million tonnes of Russian grain and grain products were exported to Turkey, representing a 67% increase compared to the same period in 2025," the center reported.

In particular, shipments of grain crops doubled to 4.5 million tonnes, with wheat exports also doubling to 3.2 million tonnes. Corn shipments tripled to 940,000 tonnes, while barley exports surged fivefold to 330,000 tonnes. Legume shipments rose by 29% to 387,000 tonnes, including peas, which increased by 36% to 204,000 tonnes, and lentils, which tripled to 86,000 tonnes.

Wheat bran shipments totaled 817,000 tonnes, down 13% from the 2025 figure but still higher than all comparable periods in previous years. Sunflower meal shipments increased by 10% to 487,000 tonnes during this period, while corn bran exports rose by 43% to 110,000 tonnes.

"Last season was one of the driest in decades for Turkish farmers. Grain production in the country fell sharply, with the gross wheat harvest dropping to 16.8 million tonnes, which forced the country to open its market. After import restrictions were lifted in March 2026, Russian grain supplied the market thanks to its attractive price and a short logistics leg across the Black Sea," explained Ruslan Khasanov, Director of the Center.

According to him, the surge in domestic wheat imports this season may be driven by exporters' efforts to deliver maximum volumes under previously signed contracts before Turkey introduces new protectionist measures amid forecasts of a record domestic harvest in 2026.

"Furthermore, the jump in demand in the first half of the year can be attributed to Turkey's status as the world's largest hub for grain processing and flour production, while its domestic food balance for this product is fully met. This is indirectly confirmed by the country's recent lifting of the ban on milling wheat exports, which had been in effect since March 2025," Khasanov added.