Customs duty on dry onions temporarily reduced

The emergence of supply risks in certain staple products due to the effects of climate conditions in the agricultural sector has led authorities to implement new regulations. Following the difficulties caused by excessive rainfall in 2026 in the dry onion harvest, the 49.5 percent customs duty applied to imports has been temporarily reduced to 5 percent.

According to the statement made by the Ministry of Trade, the primary reason for this step is to ensure supply security and to enable consumers to access basic food items at affordable prices. Officials stated that the regulation was implemented in close coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

The Ministry's statement included the following: "In close coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and due to the impact of climatic adversities such as the excessive rainfall seen in 2026, the customs duty applied to dry onions—a staple food product—has been temporarily readjusted to 5 percent until August 31, 2026, the date by which it is assessed that sufficient supply will be provided to fully ease the market, in order to ensure supply security and meet consumer needs at affordable prices. This practice will end as of September 1, 2026, when it is anticipated that new season produce will enter the market in high volume and domestic market balance will be restored to protect domestic production of dry onions; as of this date, the 49.5 percent customs duty will continue to be applied to onion imports."

In this context, the temporary tax reduction to be applied until August 31, 2026, aims to ensure price stability in the market. To protect domestic production, the previous tax rate will come back into effect starting September 1, 2026, as the new harvest enters the market in significant quantities.

News Source: 12punto