The Istanbul Exporters’ Associations (İİB) recorded $7.547 billion in exports in the January-July period, marking a 4.9% increase compared with the same period last year.

According to a statement from the İİB, more than 20,000 member companies operating in different cities exported products to 193 countries during the first seven months of the year. The association maintained its 5.4% share of Türkiye’s total exports.

U.S. Becomes Top Export Market

The United States was the largest destination for İİB exports during the period, with shipments worth $463 million.

The main products exported to the U.S. included cereals, pulses, oilseeds and related products, sugar and confectionery products, and paper and cardboard products.

The U.S. was followed by the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway and Iraq. Key exports to these markets included paper and cardboard products and ships to the UK; hazelnuts and paper products to Germany; ships to Norway; and animal products as well as wood and forestry products to Iraq.

EU Exports Rise 5.2%

The European Union remained the largest regional market for the Istanbul Exporters’ Associations.

Exports to EU countries increased 5.2% year-on-year to $1.889 billion in the January-July period.

İİB also recorded strong growth in several other regions. Exports to Africa rose 7.2%, while shipments to Far Eastern countries jumped 32.8%. Exports to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) increased by 1.2%.

Focus on New Markets and Business Opportunities

İİB Coordinator Chairman Erkan Özkan said the 4.9% increase in exports was particularly significant given the challenging global trading environment.

Özkan emphasized that growth across different markets was important for achieving sustainable export growth and strengthening market diversification.

He said the association would continue efforts to boost Turkish exporters’ competitiveness in global markets and create new business opportunities. He also highlighted a trade delegation to London, organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Trade and the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), which brought Turkish companies in the furniture, home textiles and carpet sectors together with British businesses.

Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök