Turkish Dried Figs Hold Firm as Global Buyers Rebuild Demand

Turkish dried fig prices are broadly stable to slightly softer on selected Lerida sizes, with firm differentials for higher grades and organics as global demand normalizes after last season’s tight supply. Export interest from key markets remains solid, keeping FOB Izmir and Malatya quotations well supported despite only modest near-term weather risks. The market is entering the core export window with a comfortable pipeline: new-crop quality is reported as good, producers are cautious sellers and buyers in Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia are gradually rebuilding positions after a year of lower trade volumes. Current dry, seasonally warm conditions in Malatya and improving weather in the Aegean support drying and logistics. With Turkey still dominating global dried fig exports, buyers face limited alternatives and are inclined to accept today’s price plateau, especially on premium and organic lines.

Prices

FOB Malatya quotations for conventional Turkish dried figs (TR origin) are unchanged versus mid-September on natural types, while Lerida types show minor easing in selected sizes:

Domestic reference prices from the Aydın Commodity Exchange also point to stable to slightly firm local dried fig levels in the Aegean over 19–21 September, confirming the current plateau in producer returns. 

Supply & Demand

Turkey remains by far the dominant global exporter of dried figs, accounting for more than four-fifths of tracked international shipments in recent trade intelligence, leaving importers with few substitute origins.  Global dried fig imports have declined markedly over the last year, but fresh shipment data show that demand is rebuilding from destinations such as the USA and South Asia, where Turkish origin is the primary supplier. 

Recent Turkish market commentary highlights good new-crop quality and cautious selling by packers as they assess true export demand.  At the same time, buyer directories and shipment records confirm a broad but fragmented customer base across Central Asia, the Middle East and Europe, suggesting that even modest restocking from multiple regions can quickly absorb exportable surplus. 

Weather & Crop Conditions (TR)

Short-term weather in Malatya is favourable for drying and storage: 23–25 September are forecast sunny to mostly sunny with daytime highs around 27–29 °C and cool, dry nights.  This supports ongoing post-harvest handling and limits immediate quality risks.

In the Aegean (Izmir), a brief spell of showers on 23 September is followed by two days of pleasant, dry and sunny weather with highs in the mid-20s.  Regional outlooks from Turkish and industry sources for the week of 22–28 September point to partly cloudy conditions with scattered showers but no major disruptive systems in core fig areas, keeping supply-side weather risk low in the very near term. 

Fundamentals & Market Tone

Recent industry analysis notes that the Turkish dried fig crop has entered the 2026/27 season with better quality after last season’s weather-related output drop, but total available export volume is still not fully back to longer-term averages.  This underpins today’s price floor, especially on larger natural sizes and organic categories, where premiums remain significant.

Trade data and buyer intelligence indicate that global dried fig purchases are increasingly diversified: Pakistan, Afghanistan, France, Germany and the US are among key importers, while new buyers in Central Asia and the Gulf are emerging.  With demand still recovering from last year’s high-price environment, buyers are negotiating hard, but the lack of alternative origins and stable Turkish producer prices limit downside room.

Trading Outlook & 3-Day Price View (TR)

• Spot buyers: Current FOB Malatya prices for No. 3–5 natural and mid-range Lerida look fairly valued given stable weather and moderate export demand; short-term dips are likely to be shallow and brief.
• Forward importers (EU / MENA): Consider locking in a first tranche for Q4 2026–Q1 2027 on preferred sizes and organics, as any renewed tightening in global dried fruit markets or weaker TRY could quickly translate into firmer EUR-based offers.
• Producers/packers in TR: With local exchange quotes and export interest steady, a wait-and-see stance on large additional sales appears justified while monitoring demand signals from Europe and the Middle East.

3-day directional outlook, TR figs (FOB Malatya & Izmir, 23–25 September 2026):

• Conventional dried figs, natural & Lerida: Sideways – stable quotations with a slightly softer bias on lower Lerida sizes only.
• Organic figs (cubes, Protoben, Lerida, Mini): Sideways to slightly firmer – limited availability and niche demand maintain premiums.