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Canada has recently expanded its trade diversification agenda by launching free trade negotiations with Türkiye. On July 7, 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan officially announced the start of negotiations for a Canada-Türkiye Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on the margins of the NATO Summit in Ankara. The initiative forms part of Canada’s broader strategy to strengthen trade relationships and diversify export opportunities in key global markets.
Türkiye occupies a strategic position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East, serving as an important commercial hub with access to regional markets. With a population of more than 85 million people and a dynamic manufacturing and agricultural sector, the country has become an increasingly significant trading power. The Government of Canada has indicated that a comprehensive agreement could support economic growth, improve supply chain resilience and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses.
For the Canadian chicken sector, however, these negotiations warrant careful attention. Türkiye is a major global chicken producer and exporter with a highly competitive industry. According to the USDA, Türkiye produced nearly 3 million tonnes of chicken meat in 2025, making it the 8th largest producer in the world. Production has continued to expand in response to growing domestic demand and increasing export opportunities.
Türkiye is also among the world’s leading chicken exporters. In 2025, exports were estimated at nearly 500,000 tonnes, supplying more than one hundred international markets across the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa and neighbouring countries. Its competitive production costs, integrated chicken industry and strategic geographic location have enabled the country to establish a strong position in global poultry trade.
Unlike Canada, where chicken production is managed under the supply management system and is primarily oriented toward serving domestic demand, Türkiye’s chicken sector is highly export-focused. The industry has invested heavily in processing capacity, modern production systems and export market development over the past two decades. As a result, access to additional international markets remains an important priority for Turkish exporters.
While Canada’s trade diversification strategy is intended to expand opportunities for Canadian exporters, negotiations involving large agricultural producers inevitably require careful consideration of sensitive sectors. Chicken has historically been an offensive interest for countries with significant export capacity, and Türkiye’s competitive position suggests that market access for chicken products may become an area of interest during negotiations.
At the same time, Canada’s negotiating position on supply management remains clear. Following the adoption of Bill C-202, the Government of Canada has committed not to provide additional market access or reduce over-quota tariffs for supply-managed sectors in future trade agreements. Canadian negotiators have reiterated this position in recent negotiations with Mercosur and are expected to maintain the same approach throughout discussions with Türkiye.
Although negotiations have only recently been launched, technical officials from both countries will now begin defining the scope and ambition of the agreement before formal negotiating rounds commence. During this period, Global Affairs Canada is expected to undertake consultations with stakeholders to better understand sectoral priorities and sensitivities.
Despite its position as one of the important world’s chicken producers and exporters, its industry is not without challenges. The sector remains partially dependent on imported breeding material, with approximately 15% of its breeding stock requirements supplied through imports of hatching eggs and day-old chicks, primarily from the United Kingdom, France and the Netherlands. In addition, Turkish producers continue to face recurring outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), reliance on imported feed ingredients such as soybean meal and corn, labour shortages, and volatile input costs. While these factors present ongoing constraints to the industry’s growth, Türkiye’s poultry sector has demonstrated resilience and continues to expand its production and export capacity.
For Chicken Farmers of Canada, remaining actively engaged throughout this process is essential. Türkiye’s status as a major chicken producer and exporter, combined with its strategic importance within Canada’s trade diversification agenda, makes this a negotiation that deserves close monitoring. CFC will continue working closely with Global Affairs Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and other government officials to ensure that the interests of Canada’s supply-managed chicken sector are fully considered as negotiations progress.
As Canada continues to pursue new trade relationships around the world, maintaining a balanced approach will remain essential. Expanding economic opportunities for Canadian exporters should continue to be pursued while preserving the integrity of Canada’s supply management system and ensuring that no additional market access is granted for Canadian chicken producers.
