Turkish Dried Fig FOB Prices Hold Firm as Heat Builds in Key Regions

Turkish dried fig prices are broadly steady in early July, with only selective adjustments in Lerida grades, as buyers and sellers watch hot, dry weather in Malatya and İzmir. Tight but orderly global supply and stable European demand keep the market balanced, while exporters maintain a clear premium for organic and specialty cuts. The dried fig market out of Türkiye is currently in a consolidation phase. Export data for dried fruits show robust year‑to‑date shipments and stable values, confirming that international demand remains solid despite high price levels. Weather in key fig regions is turning very hot but still mostly favourable for fruit development, with no acute damage reported. Against this backdrop, Malatya FOB prices are flat week‑on‑week for natural figs, while Lerida grades show a mild re‑pricing between sizes. Organic figs from İzmir continue to trade at a substantial premium, reflecting niche demand and limited availability.

Prices

All prices below are indicative FOB, converted approximately to EUR/kg using 1 USD ≈ 0.93 EUR for comparison with regional benchmarks. Turkish offers are contract‑based and may vary by quality and terms.

Turkish dried fig prices thus remain well above fresh fig benchmarks in Greece, mirroring tight global dried fig availability and higher processing and quality costs.

Supply & Demand

Türkiye remains the dominant supplier to the global dried fig market, accounting for well over half of world production and exports in recent seasons. Recent international industry data show 2025/26 shipments of dried figs from key origins (Türkiye, Iran, Greece) running about 8% below the previous season, indicating generally tight but manageable supplies.

Export statistics from Turkish dried fruit associations confirm strong dollar export values over the last 12 months, despite lower volumes, reflecting firm prices and steady demand from Europe and the Middle East. European buyers remain heavily dependent on imports and are focusing on quality and food‑safety compliance, particularly for aflatoxin and mould, which keeps demand concentrated on reliable Turkish exporters.

On the demand side, consumption in core EU markets is stable, supported by health and snack trends, even as consumers face broader food inflation. Some demand rationing at the low‑income end is offset by strong interest from specialty retailers and manufacturers using figs as a premium ingredient. Geopolitical tensions in the broader Middle East are affecting logistics and freight costs, but so far have not caused major dried fig demand destruction.

Weather & Crop Conditions (TR)

Short‑term weather in the main Turkish fig regions is hot and dry. In Malatya, maximum temperatures from 2–4 July are forecast around 35–36°C with clear skies, typical for early July and supportive of drying conditions, provided irrigation is available. In İzmir and the Aegean fig belt, daytime highs are expected near 34–35°C with hazy sunshine and limited precipitation.

High temperatures increase evapotranspiration and can stress non‑irrigated orchards, but at this stage they are broadly favourable for sugar accumulation and fruit sizing if water management is adequate. Recent climate analyses for Türkiye highlight a growing frequency of agricultural heatwaves and associated risks to orchards, reinforcing the sensitivity of the sector to prolonged extreme events later in summer. No major weather‑related damage specific to the 2026 fig crop has been reported over the last few days.

Fundamentals & Market Drivers

• Tight but orderly global balance: Industry data point to lower Turkish production in recent seasons compared with historical peaks, while export demand remains resilient. This underpins today’s elevated but range‑bound price structure.
• Export performance: Dried fruit export values from Türkiye over the 12 months to late June 2026 are high, confirming that buyers are accepting current price levels and that shipment flows remain robust.
• Competition and benchmarks: Rising fig prices in Greece and other Mediterranean origins signal that alternative supply is not significantly cheaper, limiting substitution away from Turkish product.
• Macro and freight: Elevated freight and insurance costs linked to regional conflicts and rerouted sea lanes are a supportive background factor for FOB quotations, although their impact is smaller than crop size and quality.

Trading Outlook (Next 1–2 Weeks)

• For buyers: Consider covering nearby needs at current Malatya FOB levels for natural No. 4–6 grades, which are stable and fairly priced relative to tight fundamentals. Delaying may expose you to heat‑related crop concerns later in July.
• For sellers/exporters: Maintain offer discipline; fundamentals justify holding prices, especially for well‑cleaned, aflatoxin‑compliant lots and organic figs. Small tactical discounts might be needed on larger Lerida sizes where recent offers eased.
• For importers in EU/MENA: Monitor weather in Western Türkiye closely and track association export bulletins. Any sign of yield stress or quality downgrades could quickly shift the market into a firmer price regime.

3‑Day Directional Price View (FOB, TR)

• Malatya – Natural dried figs (No. 4–7): Stable in EUR terms over the next 3 days; hot, seasonally normal weather and steady demand argue against sharp moves.
• Malatya – Lerida dried figs (No. 1–5): Slightly mixed but overall sideways; recent adjustments between sizes likely to consolidate rather than extend in the very short term.
• İzmir – Organic figs (Lerida, Protoben, Minis): Firm to slightly firmer bias; limited availability and sustained niche demand support a modest upward risk, though no immediate price spike is expected.