June Exports Total $545 Million, Iraq Leads as Top Importer
The exports of Turkish furniture, paper, and forest products amounted to $3.8 billion in the first six months of the year, with June alone contributing $545 million. Iraq topped the list of export destinations with $526 million, according to a statement from the Istanbul Furniture, Paper, and Forest Products Exporters’ Association. The sector saw a significant dip in June compared to May’s $737 million, primarily due to the nine-day holiday break.
For the first half of the year, the most significant export volumes were directed towards Iraq ($526 million), the United Kingdom ($200 million), and the United States ($182 million). Other notable importers included Germany, Iran, Morocco, Libya, France, and Romania. The United States also recorded the highest increase in export share at 25.64%.
“Public Holidays Cause Disruptions”
Erkan Özkan, President of the Istanbul Furniture, Paper, and Forest Products Exporters’ Association, emphasized the sector’s commitment to the $8 billion target, noting the inevitable slowdown during public holidays.
“In June, the nine-day holiday break affected our export performance,” Özkan said. “However, we have maintained an upward trend in recent months, and with no long holidays in the second half of the year, we are optimistic about reaching our goals. We are aware of the challenges, but we are making substantial progress in key markets like the United States. Our exporters and manufacturers are doing invaluable work, striving to promote local production globally. We believe that we will achieve our targets this year and in the years to come with this determination.”
Source: Trthaber / Prepared by Irem Yildiz