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Turkey is intensifying efforts to form a coalition of states aimed at unblocking vital shipping lanes in the Black Sea, driven by pressing economic concerns rather than a direct push to end the ongoing conflict. For Ankara, the continued disruption of maritime trade poses a significant threat to its domestic economy and consumer stability.
The urgency stems from Turkey's heavy dependence on agricultural imports from both Russia and Ukraine. The country relies substantially on grain and sunflower oil supplies from these two Black Sea nations, making unimpeded maritime access crucial for its food security. This economic imperative also gives Turkey's diplomatic initiatives international relevance, as the Black Sea is a critical conduit for global food trade.
Turkey's import figures for 2024 highlight its vulnerability. The nation imported approximately 5.61 million tonnes of wheat, with an overwhelming 4.72 million tonnes sourced from Russia and 0.79 million tonnes from Ukraine. This means that 98.4% of Turkey's total wheat imports originate from these two Black Sea suppliers, indicating that any sustained restrictions on shipping could rapidly lead to shortages of essential foodstuffs.
A similar dependency is observed in the sunflower oil sector. In 2024, Turkey procured 525,000 tonnes of crude sunflower oil from Ukraine, valued at $484 million, and an additional 797,000 tonnes from Russia, costing $758 million. Consequently, the food security of Turkish citizens is directly linked to conditions in the Black Sea, rendering the establishment of safe passage for commercial shipping an issue of paramount importance.
Ankara's strategic approach has consistently focused on identifying solutions to circumvent the blockade without making an end to the conflict a prerequisite. The economic stakes are exceptionally high, and the potential repercussions for a population heavily reliant on imported food are severe. As the blockade persists, Turkey is carefully balancing its diplomatic outreach with the immediate necessity of safeguarding its economic stability.
Source: 112.ua