Turkey Exports 2026: Sectors, Markets and Opportunities

Turkey's exports in 2026 so far

• Total exports: $185.0 billion in January–August 2026 (TİM).
• Apparel and ready-to-wear: $10.97 billion in the same period, 2.2% lower than a year earlier and 5.9% of total exports, the 5th largest sector (İHKİB).
• Textiles and raw materials: $11.4 billion in 2025 (İTHİB); in January–July 2026 technical textiles, woven fabrics and yarn grew while home textiles fell 10.1%.

The sector figures below describe the structure and direction of Turkish exports; for textiles, our Turkey textile market report gives the 2026 figures in detail with sources.

Turkey's 2026 Export Vision: A Record-Breaking Year

After closing 2025 with an export volume of $273.4 billion, Turkey has set its sights on a $282 billion export target for 2026. This goal represents not merely a numerical increase, but also a fundamental transformation in the country's export structure. Increasing the share of high-value-added products, expanding into new markets, and integrating digital commerce form the core pillars of this transformation.

This vision seeks to transform Turkey from being solely a manufacturing base into a technology- and innovation-driven export powerhouse.

Turkey is an economic force that exports to more than 200 countries (TİM). This achievement stems from the combination of its diversified production capacity and strategic geographic location.

Sectoral Export Analysis

1. Automotive Sector: The Leading Force

The Turkish automotive sector continued to be Turkey's largest export item in 2025, with $41.5 billion in exports (TİM). The sector is gaining new momentum, particularly with the increase in electric vehicle production and TOGG's expansion into international markets.

Key dynamics:

• Electric vehicle production: Investments in EV production lines at Turkey's automotive factories are beginning to bear fruit in 2026. Electric model production by Stellantis, Ford Otosan, and Hyundai Assan is driving export figures upward.
• Parts and components exports: The automotive parts sector constitutes a significant component of the industry. Europe's supply chain diversification strategy is opening new doors for Turkish parts manufacturers.
• TOGG's international expansion: Turkey's domestic electric car brand TOGG entered the European market in 2025, adding a new dimension to the export portfolio.

2. Textiles and Apparel: A Sustainable Transformation

Apparel exports were $18.6 billion in 2025 (TradeMap) and textile and raw material exports $11.4 billion (İTHİB). In January–August 2026, apparel exports were $10.97 billion, 2.2% below the same period of 2025. The sector's most important trends in 2026 are sustainability and the ability to adapt to fast-fashion cycles.

Competitive advantages:

• Small-batch production flexibility
• Organic and sustainable textile certifications (GOTS, OEKO-TEX)
• Access to high-quality raw materials
• Compliance capacity for the EU Green Deal

3. Machinery and Components: A Technological Leap

The sector is strengthening its global competitiveness, particularly in CNC machines, food processing machinery, packaging equipment, and textile machinery.

Growth areas:

• Industry 4.0-compatible smart machines
• Robotics and automation systems
• Agricultural machinery (Africa and Central Asia markets)
• Construction and mining equipment
• Energy equipment (wind turbine components)

4. Food and Agricultural Products: Natural Abundance

Turkey's food and agricultural product exports were $32.4 billion in 2025 (2027 Presidential Annual Programme).

Key product groups:

• Hazelnuts: Turkey is the world leader in hazelnut exports (Ministry of Trade)
• Dried fruits and pulses: Exports of apricots, grapes, figs, and pistachios are continuously growing
• Aquaculture: Turkey is Europe's largest supplier, particularly in sea bream and sea bass farming (EUMOFA)
• Processed foods: The biscuit, chocolate, pasta, and bakery products sector is growing rapidly

5. Chemical Sector: Strategic Growth

Petrochemicals, cosmetics, paint and coatings, plastic raw materials, and pharmaceuticals are the primary growth drivers.

Strategic advantages:

• Increased petrochemical capacity through STAR Refinery and Petkim integration
• Biotechnology investments in the pharmaceutical sector
• Rising brand value in cosmetics and personal care products
• Potential to become a regional power in agrochemicals

Target Markets and Trade Agreements

European Union: Strategic Partner

The EU is Turkey's largest trading partner, absorbing 42.8 percent of Turkey's total exports in 2025 (Ministry of Trade). Thanks to the Customs Union agreement, zero-tariff advantages for industrial products continue. Negotiations for updating the Customs Union are expected to gain momentum in 2026.

Emerging opportunities in the EU market:

• Demand for sustainable products under the Green Deal
• Supply chain diversification trend (nearshoring)
• Demand for digital transformation equipment and services
• Healthcare products and medical devices

US Market: Growing Potential

Turkey's exports to the US exceeded $15 billion in 2025 (Ministry of Trade). Growth is expected in 2026, particularly in the defense industry, automotive parts, agricultural products, and textiles. The dollar-based price advantage provides Turkish exporters with a competitive edge.

Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Proximity Advantage

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 projects, the UAE's economic diversification strategy, and Iraq's reconstruction present significant opportunities for Turkish exporters.

Africa: The Market of the Future

Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Egypt are the primary target markets.

Competitive Advantages and Strategic Positioning

Geographic Advantage

Turkey provides access to markets with 1.3 billion people within a 4-hour flight radius (Invest in Türkiye), situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. This location reduces logistics costs while shortening delivery times.

Production Capacity and Flexibility

• A young and dynamic workforce of 86 million people (TÜİK)
• Thousands of ISO 9001-certified production facilities
• Flexibility ranging from small-batch production to mass manufacturing

Trade Agreement Network

Turkey's free trade agreements with 25 countries provide exporters with preferential tariff rates and broad market access. Additionally, bilateral investment protection agreements and double taxation avoidance agreements enhance business security.

Digital Transformation and E-Exports

The share of digital commerce in exports is growing rapidly in 2026. Under the Ministry of Trade's E-Export Strategy:

• Digital marketplaces: Increasing the visibility of Turkish products on platforms like Amazon, Alibaba, and Etsy
• D2C (Direct-to-Consumer): Turkish brands selling globally through their own digital channels
• B2B digital platforms: The growing role of professional sourcing platforms like Toko Trading
• Digital payment infrastructure: Blockchain-based trade finance and smart contracts

E-exports reached $5.1 billion in 2025, with the 2026 target set at $6 billion. This area is opening new export channels, particularly for SMEs.

Government Incentives and Support Programs

Ministry of Trade Support

• Market research support: Grants of 50 percent, up to 75 percent for target countries and sectors (Decision No. 5973)
• Trade fair participation support: Coverage of booth, travel, and accommodation expenses
• Overseas office support: Rent subsidies for offices, stores, and warehouses
• Brand support (Turquality): Global brand development program
• Design support: Support for product design and R&D expenditures

Eximbank Financing

• Export credits (rediscount, pre-/post-shipment)
• Export credit insurance
• Investment loans
• Foreign exchange-earning services loans

2026 Export Trends and Projections

Green Exports

The impact of the European Green Deal on trade policies continues to intensify. Under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), carbon footprint reporting is becoming mandatory in the steel, cement, aluminum, fertilizer, and electricity sectors. It is critical for Turkish exporters to be prepared for this transition.

Nearshoring Trend

Europe's post-pandemic supply chain diversification strategy is making Turkey an ideal hub for nearshoring. Efforts to reduce dependence on the Far East are translating into new orders for Turkish manufacturers.

Halal Economy

Turkey is a significant player in this market with its halal-certified production capacity in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and textiles.

Defense and Aerospace

Defense and aerospace sector exports reached $10 billion in 2025 (TİM). UAVs, armored vehicles, electronic warfare systems, and simulation technologies are in high demand on the international market.

Conclusion: Seizing the Opportunities of 2026

Turkey's 2026 export potential is being shaped around new technology areas, digital commerce, and sustainable production, in addition to traditionally strong sectors. The structural transformation in global supply chains is making Turkey's strategic position even more valuable.

Key recommendations for exporters:

1. Prioritize sustainability investments — becoming mandatory for the EU market
2. Actively leverage digital channels
3. Explore new markets — Africa and Southeast Asia hold significant potential
4. Maximize government incentives — Turquality, market research, and trade fair support
5. Increase value added — focus on processed products, services, and brand exports rather than raw materials

At Toko Trading, we connect global buyers with Turkish manufacturers through our product sourcing service, and help Turkish producers reach new markets through export consulting. Our professional team supports you with sectoral analysis, supplier selection, and logistics optimization.