2016 egg exports earn Turkey $300M

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey, which is among the world's top egg suppliers, earned nearly $300 million from egg exports in 2016, according to the head of Turkish Egg Producers Association.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency Friday, Hasan Konya said last year Turkish exporters earned $290 million after exporting 6 billion eggs, mainly to Azerbaijan, Georgia, Middle East and Gulf countries.

As the value of the Turkish lira recently dropped sharply against the U.S. dollar, Turkey's agricultural products became much cheaper for customers abroad.

"Turkey performed much better in egg exports in 2016 compared to the year before. Our exports increased by 5.8 percent," Konya said, adding the exports increased by 32.5 percent in terms of weight.

Konya said Turkey was the third biggest egg exporter in the world, and had the goal of becoming number one.

"Our target for 2017 is to generate an export revenue of over $400 million," he added.

Noting that Turkey currently exported eggs to 20 countries, Konya said they wanted to start exporting to Africa "with the support of our government."

According to Konya, Turkey ranks 10th in the world in terms of egg production with 19 billion eggs produced in 2016.