According to data compiled by the Uludağ Automotive Industry Exporters’ Association (OİB), the United Kingdom has emerged as the main market for Turkey’s exports of light commercial vehicles, vans, and trucks, accounting for a quarter of the total export value in this category.
In 2022, the Turkish automotive industry concluded the year with a record-breaking total export value of $30,995,808,000, witnessing a 13% increase from the previous year. However, the sector specializing in the export of goods-carrying motor vehicles experienced a slight contraction of approximately 3% in 2023.
The export of light commercial vehicles, vans, and trucks, which stood at $5,053,157,000 in 2022, recorded $4,902,306,000 in the previous year.
In 2023, the goods-carrying motor vehicles export category contributed 14% to the total automotive exports, amounting to $35,004,230,000. Among the 96 countries and autonomous regions receiving exports in this category, the United Kingdom took the lead, importing products worth $1,222,954,000. This region accounted for 24.94% of the total exports, emphasizing its status as the primary market.
Slovenia secured the second position with a 37.93% increase in exports, reaching $676,508,000, compared to $490,466,000 in 2022. Italy followed in the third spot, with exports rising by 7.76% to $635,834,000 from $590,003,000 in the previous year.
France experienced a notable 20.79% increase in exports, reaching $546,589,000, compared to $452,486,000 in 2022. Belgium, holding the fifth position, saw a 4% increase in exports, rising from $418,068,000 to $434,754,000.
Other key destinations for goods-carrying motor vehicle exports included Spain in the sixth position with $212,286,000, Germany in the seventh position with $166,697,000, Australia in the eighth position with $100,517,000, Denmark in the ninth position with $91,096,000, and the United States in the tenth position with $69,736,000.
Turkey’s success in diversifying its export destinations within the automotive industry underscores its resilience and adaptability in navigating global markets. As the sector continues to evolve, maintaining strong partnerships with key markets like the United Kingdom will be crucial for sustaining growth and competitiveness.