November 30, 2020

Saudi Arabia suspends imports of meat and eggs from Turkey

The Turkish exporters' union said Saudi Arabia has officially suspended imports of meat, eggs and other products from Turkey, following Saudi Arabia's informal boycott of Turkish products in the past few months over political tensions between both countries, Reuters reported. 

The union told its members that Turkish exports to Saudi Arabia of red meat, white meat, eggs, milk, and other products have been suspended as of November 15.

Turkey's Exporters Assembly said exports from Turkey to Saudi Arabia dropped 16% between January to October this year to US$2.23 billion.

Ruhsar Pekcan, Turkey's Trade Minister said the Saudi government claimed there was no official boycott of Turkish products. Turkey could formally challenge Saudi Arabia through the World Trade Organisation should the latter officially suspend Turkish imports.

Sait Koca, general manager of a poultry company, said they are unable to export many products such as chicken products to Saudi Arabia even through there is no official ban.

- Reuters