The Istanbul Exporters’ Associations (İİB) reported exports worth $11.45 billion in the first 11 months of 2025, marking a 4.5% increase compared with the same period last year. İİB Coordinator Chairman Erkan Özkan said the associations have maintained a steady upward momentum in exports and are expected to close 2025 with overall export growth.
According to the statement, İİB represents more than 20,000 companies operating across different cities under seven exporters’ associations. These firms exported to 198 countries during the January–November period. İİB’s share of Türkiye’s total exports stood at 5.3%, while exports in November alone reached $1.025 billion.
On a country basis, the United States ranked first with $711 million in exports by value during the 11-month period. The leading product groups exported to the U.S. included sugar and confectionery under the cereals, pulses, oilseeds and products sector, as well as ships, yachts and related services.
Following the U.S., İİB’s top export destinations were Iraq, Germany, the United Kingdom and Italy. Exports to Iraq were led by wood and forestry products and animal products, while hazelnuts and hazelnut products stood out in shipments to Germany and Italy. Exports to the United Kingdom were dominated by paper and cardboard products and sugar and confectionery.
By region, the European Union was İİB’s largest export market, with shipments totaling $3 billion in the first 11 months of the year—an increase of 6.7% year-on-year.
Among İİB’s member associations, the Istanbul Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds and Products Exporters’ Association (İHBİR) recorded exports of $3.492 billion, followed by the Istanbul Furniture, Paper and Forestry Products Exporters’ Association with $3.415 billion. The Ship, Yacht and Services Exporters’ Association (GYHİB) posted $1.952 billion, the Istanbul Fisheries and Animal Products Exporters’ Association (İSHİB) $1.18 billion, the Istanbul Hazelnut and Products Exporters’ Association (İFMİB) approximately $647 million, the Istanbul Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters’ Association $568 million, and the Istanbul Dried Fruit and Products Exporters’ Association (KUMİB) $307 million.
“A Busy and Successful Month”
Commenting on the results, Chairman Erkan Özkan said İİB continues to work with full commitment to increase Türkiye’s exports and promote Turkish products worldwide.
Özkan noted that November was a particularly busy and productive month, highlighting İİB’s participation in Gulfood Manufacturing in Dubai, where Turkish hazelnuts were promoted. He also pointed to the organization of a Latin America Sectoral Trade Delegation in Bogotá, bringing Turkish exporters together with importers from Colombia, Panama, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador and Chile for bilateral business meetings. Additionally, İİB took part in a cheese tasting event organized by the Japan Cheese Importers Association, promoting and showcasing 12 varieties of Turkish cheese.
Özkan added that a Sectoral Purchasing Mission held in parallel with the National Dairy Summit attracted importers from Saudi Arabia and China, while İİB continued to offer free online training programs on international trade documentation, budgeting, foreign exchange regulations and inward processing regimes.
“İİB has consistently sustained its export growth momentum throughout the first 11 months of 2025,” Özkan said. “With only days left in the year, we expect to close 2025 with an increase in exports.”
Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlyda Gök