On Monday, 6th February, the Turkish government declared a state of emergency as Turkey witnessed the worst earthquake since 1939. According to the US Geological Service, a 7.8 magnitude quake hit central Turkey and northwest Syria, causing tragic human loss.
Turkey is a key player in the wheat market. It imports 5% of the global share, approximately 10 million metric tonnes (mt) of wheat, and exports 6.5 million mt of wheat annually. According to market players, the southeastern ports of Turkey are affected by the quake, and there are delays in operations, although the full extent of the damage is still unknown. Market players suggest that operations might slow down, because power stations and power lines are damaged, and the country is prioritising rescue operations.