Balancing Trade and Sustainability: Türkiye’s Squid and Cuttlefish Market Dynamics

Türkiye's squid and cuttlefish production struggles to meet domestic demand due to limited local supply. This study examines production levels, trade balances, and economic impacts using data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) and international sources. Production relies on natural stocks, providing stability but remaining insufficient. Between 2005 and 2024, export volumes fluctuated between 523.8 and 1,026.8 tons, while imports rose from 1,558.8 tons in 2005 to 5,204.4 tons in 2022. Import expenditures increased from $2.6 million to $31.5 million, emphasizing Türkiye’s reliance on external sources. The zero-tariff agreement with Malaysia supports imports, yet Malaysia’s production capacity is insufficient to meet Türkiye’s needs. China’s large-scale harvesting and processing, particularly of Dosidicus gigas and Todarodes pacificus, likely contribute to these products reaching Türkiye via Malaysia. The COVID-19 pandemic caused imports to drop to 2,397.1 tons in 2020, recovering to 3,656.9 tons by 2023. Export revenues peaked at $4.8 million in 2021 but did not offset trade deficits. The study provides insights into market dependencies and trade imbalances. To achieve a sustainable balance, Türkiye must improve fisheries management, diversify supply sources, and reduce import dependency through strategic trade policies.