The Istanbul Exporters’ Associations (İIB) recorded exports totaling $3.9 billion in the first four months of the year, marking an 8.2% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The highest exports by value were made to Iraq, totaling $317 million. Following Iraq, the most significant exports were made to Germany, the USA, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
According to a statement by İIB, which comprises over 20,000 companies from its seven member exporters’ associations, products were sold to 188 countries from January to April, boosting İIB’s share of the country’s exports to 5.4%.
In this period, the most exported items to Iraq included animal products, grains, pulses, oilseeds, and their products. After Iraq, Germany, the United States, Italy, and the United Kingdom were the top destinations for İIB exports in terms of value.
In the exports made by İİB, nuts and their products, as well as ships, yachts, and services, stood out for Germany; grains, pulses, oilseeds, furniture, and paper products for the USA; nuts and their products, as well as ships, yachts, and services for Italy; and furniture, paper and forestry products, as well as grains, pulses, oilseeds, and their products for the United Kingdom.
“Most Exports Directed to EU Countries”
The Istanbul Exporters’ Associations (İIB) reported that their highest export volume was to European Union (EU) countries, totaling $943 million. This figure marks a 30% increase in exports to the EU compared to the same period in the previous year.
In April, İİB’s exports amounted to $774.5 million, with the highest volumes directed to Iraq, the USA, and Germany.
Among the associations under İİB, the Istanbul Cereals, Pulses, Oil Seeds and Products Exporters’ Association (İHBİR) achieved exports of $1.222 billion in the first four months of the year. The Istanbul Furniture, Paper and Forestry Products Exporters’ Association reached $1.177 billion, the Ship, Yacht and Services Exporters’ Association (GYHİB) $533 million, the Istanbul Aquatic and Animal Products Exporters’ Association (İSHİB) $407 million, the Istanbul Hazelnut and Products Exporters’ Association (İFMİB) $279 million, the Istanbul Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters’ Association $185 million, and the Istanbul Dried Fruit and Products Exporters’ Association (KUMİB) $98 million.
İIB Expects Export Growth to Continue in First Half of the Year
Kazım Tayci, Coordinator President of the Istanbul Exporters’ Associations (İİB), expressed optimism about export growth in a recent statement. Reflecting on the financial general assembly of the sub-unions held in April, Tayci said:
“Our member exporter companies gathered at our general assemblies and approved the 2023 working, financial, and audit committee reports of the board of directors. They also outlined the roadmap for 2024. We successfully represented Turkiye at Seafood Expo Global, a significant event in the seafood industry.
Our events received intense interest, and we effectively promoted our sectors abroad. I congratulate all our exporters who contributed to our export increase. We anticipate completing the first half of the year with an increase in exports.
Source: Trthaber / Prepared by Irem Yildiz