Turkey Export Analysis 2025: Data-Backed Trends & Insights for Global Buyers
- Dila Göncü
- Sep 23
- 2 min read
Turkey is making headlines in 2025 with sharp export growth, sectoral leadership, and record monthly performance. For global buyers exploring sourcing from Turkey, now is a key time to understand the data, emerging opportunities, and associated risks. Below is a deep dive into the latest verifiable numbers and what they imply for sourcing strategies.
Turkey’s Export & Import Performance — Latest Figures
According to Turkey’s official statistics (TÜİK):
In the January-to-July 2025 period, exports reached US$ 156.3 billion, marking a 5.1% increase year-on-year.
In the same period, imports were US$ 212.2 billion, up 6.9% compared to January-July 2024.
July 2025 was a record month: exports climbed to nearly US$ 25.0 billion, up from US$ 22.5 billion in July 2024 — an 11% year-on-year growth.
This achievement marked Turkey’s all-time high monthly export value.
Top Export Destinations — Who Buys from Turkey?
Turkey’s main destination markets remain Western Europe, the UK, the US and MENA.
In the first seven months of 2025, about US$ 67.8 billion of exports went to the EU.
The largest country buyers include Germany, the UK, the United States, Italy and Iraq.
Leading Export Sectors in 2025
Automotive & Spare Parts: Still the top export earner, especially in trade with EU countries.
Textiles & Ready-to-Wear: Strong performance thanks to near-shoring and fast-fashion demand.
Chemicals & Plastics: Petrochemicals and intermediate goods continue to expand.
Construction Materials & Steel: Growth fueled by domestic and regional infrastructure needs.
Agriculture & Processed Foods: Growing export values but sensitive to seasonal supply conditions.
Record Month: Why July 2025 Stands Out
Exports in July 2025 (≈ US$ 25.0 billion) are the highest ever recorded for a single month.
This figure shows a US$ 2.5 billion increase over July 2024, and about US$ 4.5 billion jump compared to June 2025.
The export surge boosts Turkey’s rolling annual export total and enhances global buyers’ confidence in supply capacity.
Opportunities & Strategic Takeaways for Buyers
Stable growth environment: Export increases suggest suppliers are scaling capacity effectively.
Sectoral diversity: Automotive, chemicals, textiles, construction and food allow diversification.
Improved logistics visibility: July’s record proves Turkish exporters can deliver at scale.
Competitive costs with geographic advantage: Closer to Europe and MENA than many Asian suppliers.
Risks to Watch & How to Mitigate
Import dependence for raw materials: Some industries still rely on external inputs; buyers should plan inventory buffers.
Currency volatility: Protect margins with indexed pricing and hedging.
Logistics bottlenecks: Seasonal peaks may stress ports and transport; use flexible shipment options.
Quality & certification variability: Always verify ISO, CE and run pre-shipment inspections.
Actionable Checklist: Sourcing Strategy from Turkey
Check monthly export capability of your supplier.
Request detailed product specs and certifications.
Start with a pilot order to test lead times and quality.
Negotiate clear Incoterms, payment terms, and currency clauses.
Plan logistics carefully (sea, road, air).
Ensure customs paperwork and origin documents are correct.
Monitor macro risks such as energy costs and global demand.
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