Türkiye’s furniture, paper and forestry products exports increased 6% year-on-year in July, reaching $731.1 million, according to sector data.

Exports to key European markets recorded notable increases during the month. Shipments to France rose 40%, while exports to the United Kingdom increased 10.1% and those to Bulgaria climbed 27.1%.

However, exports by the Mediterranean Furniture, Paper and Forestry Products Exporters’ Association (AKAMİB) declined 11.6% in July to $74.3 million.

Exports Down Slightly in January-July

For the first seven months of the year, Türkiye’s furniture, paper and forestry products exports decreased 0.7% year-on-year to $4.47 billion. AKAMİB exports fell more sharply, declining 14.8% to $466.9 million.

Iraq remained Türkiye’s largest export market during the January-July period, with exports totaling $528.1 million. The United Kingdom, the United States, Morocco and Libya followed.

Among Türkiye’s top 10 markets, France posted the strongest growth at 17.3%, followed by Bulgaria at 15.6%. Exports to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus also rose by nearly 20%, reaching $76.7 million.

European Demand Provides Support

AKAMİB Chairman Adem Derinel said stronger demand in European markets was a positive development for the sector. However, he noted that production costs, access to financing and exchange-rate conditions continue to directly affect exporters’ competitiveness.

Derinel said new support measures related to foreign-currency conversion and additional regulations being prepared for exporters could provide relief in terms of financing and cash flow.

He emphasized that sustainable growth would require lower financing costs, reduced burdens on production and more effective support measures aimed at strengthening exporters’ competitiveness.

Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlayda gök