Turkey’s Exports 2022: Insights on Turkish Foreign Trade

• Turkey’s Foreign Trade Statistics
  • Balance of Trade
• Turkey’s Main Export Partners in 2022
  • Germany
  • USA
  • Italy
  • UK
  • Iraq
• Key Exports From Turkey
  • Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
  • Mining and Quarrying
  • Manufacturing
• Tips and Best Practices for Exporting from Turkey
• FAQ

Turkey’s Foreign Trade Statistics

According to the provisional data, produced with the cooperation of the Turkish Statistical Institute and the Ministry of Trade, in January 2022; exports were 17 billion 587 million dollars with a 17.2% increase and imports were 27 billion 848 million dollars with a 54.2% increase compared with January 2021.

Balance of Trade

Turkey's trade deficit widened by 39% year-on-year to reach a new record of USD 14.3 billion in January of 2023, from USD 10.3 billion in the corresponding month of the previous year, preliminary estimates from the Trade Ministry showed.

Imports rose 21% to a new record high of USD 33.7 billion, with energy purchases increasing by 238% to USD 8.8 billion and gold imports jumping 733% to USD 5.1 billion. Meanwhile, exports increased by 11% to USD 19.4 billion.

Turkey's External Debt reached 442.9 USD billion in Sep 2022, compared with 445.5 USD billion in the previous quarter.

Turkey’s Main Export Partners in 2022

Germany

Germany is one of Turkey's largest foreign investors as well as one of its most significant commercial partners. Bilateral trade increased to a record high of 39.7 billion euros in 2021.

Turkish exports to Germany surged by 36.7% to 14.1 billion euros in the first half of 2022, while Turkish imports from Germany jumped by 18.1% to 14.5 billion euros.

In Turkey, there are more than 7800 German enterprises and Turkish companies with German equity.

Turkey’s main exports to Germany for 2022 were vehicles other than railways, tramways, machinery, nuclear reactors, boilers, articles of apparel: knit or crocheted, electrical and electronic equipment, aluminium, and articles of iron or steel.  

USA

In 2019, Turkey ranked as the 32nd-largest importer of products to the United States.

Imports of products from Turkey to the United States reached $10.6 billion in total in 2019, an increase of 3.1% ($323 million) from 2018 and 190.3% from 2009.

Machinery ($1.3 billion), automobiles ($1.1 billion), carpets and other textile coverings ($689 million), mineral fuels ($542 million), and stone, plaster, and cement ($411 million) were the top import categories (2-digit HS) in 2019.

2019 saw $901 million in total agricultural imports from Turkey into the United States. Prominent categories include tobacco ($57 million), other vegetable oils ($62 million), fruit & vegetable juices ($132 million), processed fruit & vegetables ($184 million), and snack foods ($148 million).

Italy

Turkey's Exports to Italy were $12.35 Billion in 2022, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade.

The bilateral trade volume between Turkey and Italy stood at 19.7 billion USD in 2017, which corresponds to an increase of 11.1 percent compared to the year before. (Turkish exports 8.47 billion USD; imports 11.3 billion US Dollars).

The main items of Turkey’s exports to Italy consist of passenger motor vehicles, motor vehicles for good transport, and fresh or dried fruits; whilst the main items of Turkey’s imports from Italy are parts and accessories for motor vehicles, petroleum oils, yachts, and other vessels.

UK

Total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) between the UK and Turkey was £22.7 billion, in current prices, in the four quarters to the end of Q3 2022, an increase of 30.2% or £5.3 billion from the four quarters to the end of Q3 2021.

There is a high demand in the UK for Turkish-made goods; in fact, the UK has become the second biggest export destination for Turkey.

The top 5 goods imported to the UK from Turkey in the four quarters to the end of Q3 2022 were:

• Road vehicles other than cars (capital) (£2.3 billion or 18.4% of all UK goods imported from Turkey)
• Clothing (£1.4 billion or 11.4%)
• Cars (£1.0 billion or 8.0%)
• Electrical machinery (consumer) (£805.8 million or 6.4%)
• Miscellaneous electrical goods (intermediate) (£690.6 million or 5.5%)

Iraq

Turkey's Exports to Iraq were $13.75 billion in 2022, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade.

Turkish exports to Iraq vary, particularly with sophisticated factories with a large export volume, from Turkey to neighbouring countries in general, and Iraq in particular.

• Chemicals and products have been ranked first by Turkey to Iraq.
• The oilseed sector and its derivatives, grains and legumes were followed in second place.
• Furniture, paper and forest products came next.
• The construction sector of all kinds and varieties.
• Turkish exports also include medicines, medical supplies and much more.

Key Exports From Turkey

Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing

Turkey is one of the world's largest agricultural producers and exporters, and agriculture, forestry, and fishing are important sectors of the country's economy. In 2020, the total value of Turkey's agricultural, forestry, and fishery exports was around $20.6 billion, accounting for around 4.4% of the country's total exports.

Some of the major agricultural products that Turkey exports include:

• Fruits and vegetables: Turkey is one of the largest exporters of fresh fruits and vegetables in the world. Some of the most important crops include tomatoes, peppers, grapes, cherries, and figs.
• Grains and pulses: Turkey is a major exporter of wheat, barley, and other grains, as well as various pulses such as lentils, chickpeas, and beans.
•  Nuts: Turkey is the world's largest exporter of hazelnuts, and also exports significant amounts of pistachios, almonds, and other nuts.
• Tobacco: Turkey is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of tobacco.
• Olive oil: Turkey is one of the largest producers of olive oil, and exports significant amounts of this product to other countries.
• Livestock and animal products: Turkey is also a significant exporter of livestock and animal products, including meat, dairy products, and eggs.

In addition to agriculture, Turkey's forestry sector produces a range of products including lumber and paper, and the country's fishing industry exports a variety of fish and seafood products.

Mining and Quarrying

Mining and quarrying are also important sectors of Turkey's economy. In 2020, the total value of Turkey's mining and quarrying exports was around $4.4 billion, accounting for around 0.7% of the country's total exports.

Here are some of the major mining and quarrying products that Turkey exports:

• Iron and steel: Turkey is a major producer of iron and steel products and exports significant amounts of these products to other countries.
• Copper and zinc: Turkey has significant reserves of copper and zinc, and exports significant amounts of these minerals to other countries.
• Gold: Turkey is one of the world's largest producers of gold and exports significant amounts of precious metal.
• Marble and other natural stones: Turkey is one of the world's leading producers and exporters of marble, travertine, and other natural stones.
• Boron: Turkey is the largest producer of boron in the world, and exports significant amounts of boron products to other countries.
• Coal: Turkey has significant reserves of coal, and exports significant amounts of coal to other countries.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing is the largest sector of Turkey's economy, and the country is a major exporter of a wide range of manufactured products. In 2020, the total value of Turkey's manufacturing exports was around $140 billion, accounting for around 21% of the country's total exports.

Here are some of the major manufacturing products that Turkey exports:

• Textiles and apparel: Turkey is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of textiles and apparel. The country's textile industry produces a wide range of products, including cotton yarn, fabrics, and finished garments.
• Automotive and transportation equipment: Turkey is also a major producer and exporter of automobiles, trucks, and buses, as well as parts and components for these vehicles.
• Machinery and equipment: Turkey produces and exports a wide range of machinery and equipment, including agricultural machinery, construction equipment, and industrial machinery.
• Electrical and electronic equipment: Turkey is a major producer and exporter of electrical and electronic equipment, including household appliances, TVs, and other electronics.
• Chemicals and pharmaceuticals: Turkey has a growing chemical and pharmaceutical industry, and exports significant amounts of chemicals, medicines, and other pharmaceutical products.
• Food and beverages: Turkey produces and exports a wide range of food and beverage products, including processed foods, snacks, and beverages such as tea and coffee.

Tips and Best Practices for Exporting from Turkey

Exporting from Turkey can be a complex process, but there are several tips and best practices that can help make the process smoother and more successful. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

• Understand the Regulations: Turkey has specific regulations and requirements for exporting, and it's important to understand these rules before getting started. This includes understanding the necessary documentation, permits, and licenses, as well as any restrictions or limitations on certain products.
• Identify Potential Markets: Before exporting, it's important to research and identify potential markets for your products. This includes understanding the competition, demand, and pricing in different regions, as well as any cultural or language barriers that may need to be addressed.
• Build Relationships: Building relationships with potential customers, distributors, and other partners is key to successful exporting. This can involve attending trade shows and events, networking with industry contacts and leveraging online tools and resources.
• Use a Freight Forwarder: A freight forwarder can help simplify the logistics of exporting, by handling transportation, customs clearance, and other details. Look for a reputable freight forwarder with experience in your industry and the markets you're targeting.
• Be Patient: Exporting can take time, and it's important to be patient and persistent. It may take several attempts to establish relationships and secure contracts, and there may be challenges and setbacks along the way. But with persistence and hard work, exporting from Turkey can be a rewarding and profitable experience.

FAQ