Turkey’s September Gold Imports up by 1,700% as Individuals Swap Falling Lira With the Precious Metal – Emerging Markets Bitcoin News

Turkey’s gold imports of just over 39,000 kilograms in September 2022 are more than 16 times the quantity that was brought into the country in September 2021. The surge in Turkey’s gold imports is reportedly being spurred by the rise in demand for the precious metal by individuals and entities using it in foreign currency transactions.

‘Gold Instead of Turkish Lira’

According to data from Borsa Istanbul’s Precious Metals and Diamond Markets, the quantity of gold imported into inflation-stricken Turkey in September 2022 was over 1,700% more than the quantity brought into the country during the same period last year.

The country’s September haul of 39,000 kilograms (kg) takes the total quantity of the precious metal imported by Turks in 2022 to 140,126 kg. As noted in a report published by the Hurriyet Daily News, Turkey’s January 2010 import figure of 44,210 kg remains the country’s largest.

Explaining why Turkey is seeing a surge in the quantity of gold brought into the country, Tuna Çetinkaya, the deputy general manager at Info Investment, reportedly linked the surge in demand to identity requirements for buying forex. He explained:

This regulation has led individuals or entities to large amounts of FX. [foreign exchange]For foreign currency transactions, it is better to buy gold than Turkish Liras.

The Lira’s Depreciation

The Turkish currency’s official exchange rate was just below 5.50 lire per dollar in January 2020. Since then, it has fallen by more than 300%. As of the writing date, one dollar equals 18.58 lire. The currency’s depreciation, together with the surging inflation rate, which stood at 83.45% in September 2022, is forcing Turks to demand alternative stores of value.

In addition to gold, Turks also imported large quantities of silver during the same period — just over 68,000 kg. This figure nearly doubles the 36.417 kilograms imported in September 2021. Turks demand precious metals but also digital currency like bitcoin or the stablecoin, tether.

As recently reported by Bitcoin.com News, Turkey is home to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s largest cryptocurrency market.

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Terence Zimwara

Terence Zimwara, a Zimbabwean journalist, writer and author who has been awarded the Zimbabwe Booker Prize. His writings have covered the economic problems of several African countries and how digital currency can offer an escape route.