The Top Exporter Countries of the World

Since imports and exports are critical to maintaining strong economies, nations all over the world rely on air, sea, and land channels to transfer commodities across borders. The importance of international commerce is clear in our daily lives, as a wide range of things, from pens to furniture, are frequently supplied from other nations.

Even products manufactured within a country like the UK may incorporate imported components and parts. The scope of imported and exported goods is vast, encompassing diverse items such as clothing, automobiles, food, petroleum, electronics, and numerous others.

World's Largest Exporters

China

Apart from the European Union (a collective of numerous countries), China is the world's largest exporter. In 2020, China's exports of goods and services reached an estimated value of $2.72 trillion. Electronic equipment and machinery form the primary exports, including broadcast equipment, computers, integrated circuits, office machine parts, and telephones. China's exports accounted for approximately 10.78% of the global total in 2018.

United States

As the second-largest exporter globally, the United States recorded an estimated $2.12 trillion worth of exports in 2020. The country's major exports include crude and refined petroleum, integrated circuits, pharmaceuticals, medical instruments, and aircraft, encompassing planes, spacecraft, helicopters, and their replacement parts. The disparity between the United States and China in terms of exports can be attributed, in part, to the labour cost factor. Many goods cannot be produced, manufactured, or assembled in the United States at a comparable price to that in China.

Read more about Top products US Imports from Turkey.

Germany

Germany, renowned for its technological advancement, secured its position as the world's third-largest exporter by exporting an estimated $1.67 trillion worth of goods and services in 2020. The country's key exports encompass automobiles (BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen), pharmaceuticals (Bayer), aircraft, machinery, electronics, and chemicals. Germany joins China and the United States as one of only three countries with exports exceeding $1 trillion.

Japan

Japan's exports in 2020 were valued at approximately $785.4 billion. Major export categories for Japan include automobiles (Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Suzuki, and more) and automobile parts, as well as integrated circuits and electronic devices (Nintendo, Panasonic, Sony, and others). China, the United States, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong serve as Japan's largest export destinations.

United Kingdom

Ranked as the fifth-highest exporter globally in terms of dollar value, the United Kingdom exported an estimated $770.5 billion worth of goods and services in 2020. The country's top exports encompass cars (Bentley, Jaguar, Mini, Rolls-Royce, and others), gas turbines, gold, medicines, hard liquor, antiques, and crude petroleum. Crude petroleum often follows an import route from Norway before being re-exported to other European countries, China, and South Korea.

Learn more about The Best Products to Import from Turkey to UK.

China's Top Exports

China's industrial landscape flourished with a diverse range of dominant sectors, solidifying its position as a global powerhouse in the production of goods and materials for international markets. The country's remarkable manufacturing capabilities enabled it to export a vast array of finished products that captivated consumers worldwide.

At the forefront of China's export industry were consumer electronics, showcasing the nation's technological prowess. From cutting-edge smartphones and high-definition televisions to innovative gadgets and appliances, Chinese electronic products captivated consumers with their quality, affordability, and advanced features. The country's expertise in data processing technologies further bolstered its position as a leading exporter, providing the world with computer hardware, software, and related equipment that formed the backbone of numerous industries.

The textile industry in China also thrived, churning out an impressive array of clothing and other textile products for global markets. From fashionable garments and accessories to home textiles and fabrics, China's textile manufacturers catered to a wide range of consumer demands, blending style, quality, and competitive pricing.

Get the Best Deals on Turkish Textile.

In the realm of optics, China made significant strides, exporting a wide range of optical gear, including cameras, lenses, binoculars, and precision instruments. The country's manufacturers combined craftsmanship and advanced technologies to deliver high-performance optical products that found their way into the hands of professionals, hobbyists, and enthusiasts worldwide.

Moreover, China's medical equipment industry emerged as a dominant force, producing state-of-the-art devices and instruments that played a crucial role in healthcare settings globally. Whether it was advanced imaging systems, surgical equipment, diagnostic devices, or patient monitoring solutions, Chinese medical equipment manufacturers consistently delivered innovative and reliable products to support healthcare professionals in their mission to provide quality care.

Beyond its prowess in manufacturing finished products, China boasted the largest new car market globally. With a burgeoning middle class and increased consumer spending power, the demand for automobiles soared. Chinese automakers catered to this appetite by producing a wide range of vehicles, from sedans and SUVs to electric and hybrid cars. In addition to satisfying domestic demand, China became a significant player in the global automotive industry by exporting its vehicles to markets around the world.

Furthermore, China's role as an exporter extended to raw materials, with a particular emphasis on steel. The country's abundant reserves of iron ore and coal, coupled with its advanced steel production facilities, allowed it to produce substantial quantities of steel. This raw material served as a foundation for various industries, including construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure development. Recognizing the global demand for steel, China exported significant volumes to other countries, where it was further processed and utilized in diverse applications.

Read more about The Largest Iron Exporter in the World.

Turkey Ranking Among the Exporting Countries

Turkey is one of the major exporting countries in the world. Turkey is considered an important centre for international trade and business, thanks to its strategic geographical location connecting Europe and Asia.

Turkey ranks among the top exporting nations in the world in terms of total exports. The country's diverse export portfolio includes a wide variety of products, which contribute to economic growth and trade balance. Turkey's exports are diverse, including industries such as automotive, textiles and clothing, machinery, chemicals, food and drinks, electronics, and others.

The car industry is critical to Turkey's export success. Turkish automakers provide a large number of vehicles, including passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and buses. This industry has been a driving factor behind Turkey's export growth, securing its place as a significant player in the global automotive industry.

Textiles and clothing are another important export area for Turkey. The country has a long history of textile manufacturing and is known for producing high-quality fabrics, clothing, and home textiles. Turkish textile producers provide a wide range of products that fulfil international standards and current trends to global fashion brands and stores.

Exports of machinery and equipment also contribute considerably to Turkey's export ranking. Turkish machinery manufacturers create a wide range of machinery, including industrial gear, agricultural equipment, and construction machinery, among other things. These goods make their way into a variety of sectors throughout the world, assisting with industrial and infrastructure development.

Another important area for Turkish exports is the chemical industry. Turkish chemical industries make a diverse range of goods, including petrochemicals, plastics, fertilizers, medicines, and cosmetics. These items are in high demand across the world and contribute to Turkey's export earnings.

Food and drinks are another significant component of Turkey's exports. The country is well-known for its agricultural production, which includes a wide range of fruits, vegetables, cereals, dairy products, and meat. Turkish food and beverage exporters provide a varied range of products to foreign markets.

Turkey's Top 10 Exports

Vehicles: Turkey's vehicle exports amount to approximately $26.8 billion, representing 10.5% of the country's total exports. Turkish automotive manufacturers produce a wide range of vehicles, including passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and buses, which are exported to various markets worldwide.

Machinery including computers: This category encompasses machinery and computer equipment, with a total export value of around $22.7 billion, accounting for 8.9% of Turkey's total exports. Turkish machinery manufacturers produce industrial machinery, agricultural equipment, construction machinery, and other types of machinery that are in demand globally.

Mineral fuels including oil: Turkey's exports of mineral fuels, including oil, have a value of approximately $16.4 billion, making up 6.4% of the country's total exports. While Turkey does not possess significant oil reserves, it acts as a transit hub for oil and gas pipelines, contributing to its export performance in this category.

Iron, steel: With an export value of $14.6 billion, iron and steel products account for 5.8% of Turkey's total exports. Turkish steel manufacturers are renowned for producing high-quality steel products, including flat and long steel products, which are utilized in various industries globally.

Electrical machinery, and equipment: Turkey's exports of electrical machinery and equipment amount to around $13.7 billion, representing 5.4% of the country's total exports. This category includes a wide range of electrical appliances, devices, and equipment produced by Turkish manufacturers.

Plastics, plastic articles: Turkey exports plastics and plastic articles with a value of approximately $11.6 billion, contributing 4.6% to the country's total exports. Turkish plastic manufacturers produce a variety of plastic products, including packaging materials, pipes, and plastic articles for various industries.

Knit or crochet clothing, and accessories: Turkey's exports of knit or crochet clothing and accessories have a value of around $11 billion, accounting for 4.3% of the country's total exports. Turkish textile manufacturers excel in producing knitted and crocheted garments and accessories, catering to international fashion markets.

Articles of iron or steel: This category encompasses various articles made of iron or steel, including structures, fittings, and other manufactured products. Turkey's exports in this category amount to approximately $10.5 billion, representing 4.1% of its total exports.

Gems, precious metals: Turkey exports gems and precious metals with a value of about $10.2 billion, contributing 4% to the country's total exports. Turkish jewelry manufacturers produce and export a range of precious stones, gold, and other valuable metals.

Clothing, accessories (not knit or crochet): With an export value of approximately $8.5 billion, clothing and accessories (excluding knit or crochet) account for 3.3% of Turkey's total exports. Turkish garment manufacturers produce a wide variety of clothing and accessories using different materials and styles for global markets.

What are the Procedures Applied by Turkey to Increase the Volume of Exports?

Turkey has implemented several procedures to increase the volume of exports. These measures include:

• Carrying out projects on R&D and development of international competitiveness: Turkey focuses on enhancing the R&D capabilities of its industries to increase their export capacity. This includes investing in research and development activities and promoting innovation in sectors with export potential.
• Increasing participation in international fairs and trade delegations: Turkey aims to expand its presence in international markets by increasing the number of national participations in international fairs, trade delegations, and buying missions. This allows Turkish businesses to showcase their products, network with international buyers, and explore new export opportunities.
• Implementing sectoral and country-based diversification strategy: Turkey seeks to diversify its export composition by developing sector-specific strategies and exploring opportunities in different countries. This approach helps reduce dependence on specific sectors or markets and expands the range of products and destinations for Turkish exports.
• Focusing on target markets: Turkey concentrates its trade activities on target markets that offer significant potential for export growth. By identifying and prioritizing specific markets, Turkey can allocate resources and efforts effectively, tailoring its export strategies to meet the demands and preferences of those markets.
• Enhancing the export capacity of SMEs: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in Turkey's economy. To boost exports, Turkey supports SMEs by providing financial incentives, offering export training and consultancy services, and facilitating access to international markets.
• Promoting global Turkish brands: Turkey aims to increase the number of globally recognized Turkish brands across different industries. By developing strong brands with international appeal, Turkey can enhance its export competitiveness and create a positive image for Turkish products in global markets.
• Establishing Istanbul as an international fashion, fair, and trade centre: Turkey aims to position Istanbul as a global hub for fashion, trade, and fairs. By hosting international events and attracting industry professionals, Istanbul becomes a centre for networking, business collaborations, and trade activities, which can drive export growth.
• Providing crucial inputs for exports: Turkey focuses on developing and providing essential inputs required for export-oriented industries. This includes ensuring the availability of quality raw materials, access to advanced technologies, skilled labour, and supportive infrastructure to facilitate export production.
• Creating sectoral clusters: Turkey encourages the formation of sectoral clusters, where businesses operating in related industries collaborate and share resources to gain competitiveness in international markets. Clusters promote innovation, knowledge sharing, and synergies among companies, fostering export growth.
• Improving logistics facilities: Turkey recognizes the importance of efficient logistics in facilitating exports. Therefore, the country invests in developing and upgrading its logistics infrastructure, including transportation networks, ports, customs procedures, and warehousing facilities, to streamline the export process.
• Developing new export finance tools: Turkey aims to provide innovative and flexible financing solutions to support export-oriented businesses. This includes the development of export financing tools such as export credits, guarantees, and insurance schemes to mitigate risks and enhance the financial capabilities of exporters.