Export refers to the sale and shipment of goods or services produced in one country to another country outside its borders. Exporting supports a country’s economic growth, impacts its trade balance, and shapes international trade relationships. It is often regarded as an indicator of a country’s economic strength and competitive advantages.
What is export, and why is it important?
Export can positively impact a country’s trade balance by bringing in foreign currency. It also provides access to global markets, supports business growth, and creates competitive advantages. A country’s export performance is often an important indicator reflecting its economic health and competitiveness.
Overview of Turkey’s Export Potential
Turkey’s export potential is broad and spans a variety of sectors.
The country’s strategic geographic location, being close to both Europe and the Middle East, facilitates easy trade. Turkey’s advantageous position for accessing many countries provides a competitive edge in international trade.
Turkey, with its broad industrial base, produces across many sectors such as textiles, automotive, construction, food, machinery, electronics, and chemicals. This diversity enhances its ability to compete in various markets. The country is also strong in the agriculture and food sectors. The variety in agricultural production increases Turkey’s potential to export agricultural and food products to different countries.
Additionally, Turkey has been a country that prioritizes technological advancements and invests in innovation. Its competitiveness in high-tech products and services contributes to its effectiveness in the international market.
Turkey also boasts a well-developed logistics infrastructure. Transportation facilities such as ports, airports, and highways enable the fast and reliable movement of goods and services.
Furthermore, Turkey has pursued an economic policy that supports entrepreneurship. Business-friendly policies provide opportunities for companies to enter new markets and compete effectively.
Turkey’s Top Export Destinations
According to the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), Turkey achieved a total export value of 125.4 billion USD between January 2024 and June 2024.
The top 10 countries with the highest export revenues and their growth rates for January 1 – June 30, 2023/2024 are as follows:
| COUNTRY(K$) | 2023 1 – 30 JUNE | 2024 1 – 30 JUNE | Change% |
| GERMANY | 1.582.083 | 1.298.599 | -17,9% |
| USA | 1.121.444 | 1.018.401 | -9,2% |
| UNITED KINGDOM | 943.469 | 948.774 | 0,6% |
| ITALY | 893.713 | 914.688 | 2,3% |
| SPAIN | 861.573 | 720.954 | -16,3% |
| FRANCE | 848.683 | 690.748 | -18,6% |
| ROMANIA | 524.256 | 683.278 | 30,3% |
| IRAQ | 712.571 | 665.799 | -6,6% |
| RUSSIAN FEDERATION | 843.738 | 615.714 | -27,0% |
| NETHERLANDS | 524.114 | 559.778 | 6,8% |
According to the TİM Export Report, just as in the first half of 2023, Germany remained the top destination for Turkey’s exports in the first half of 2024. Germany was followed by the USA, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, France, Romania, Iraq, Russia, and the Netherlands. Additionally, exports to four of the top ten countries increased compared to the previous year, while there was a decline in others.
Top Export Sectors in Turkey
The export revenues and growth rates for the top 10 exporting sectors during January 1 – June 30, 2023/2024 are as follows:
| SECTOR(K$) | 2023 1 – 30 JUNE | 2024 1 – 30 JUNE | Change % |
| Automotive Industry | 2.985.684 | 2.616.862 | -12,4% |
| Chemicals and Chemical Products | 2.385.084 | 2.229.335 | -6,5% |
| Steel | 1.314.429 | 1.323.107 | 0,7% |
| Clothing Manufacturing and Ready-to-Wear Clothing | 1.651.364 | 1.299.385 | -21,3% |
| Electrical and Electronics | 1.337.226 | 1.192.858 | -10,8% |
| Iron and Non-Ferrous Metals | 1.088.772 | 937.444 | -13,9% |
| Cereals, Pulses, Oil Seeds, and Products | 771.917 | 818.510 | 6,0% |
| Machinery and Equipment | 975.657 | 768.444 | -21,2% |
| Textiles and Raw Materials | 768.961 | 645.628 | -16,0% |
| Defense and Aerospace Industry | 332.633 | 563.362 | 69,4% |
A sector-based analysis shows that the export revenues in the “Steel,” “Cereals, Pulses, Oil Seeds, and Products,” and “Defense and Aerospace Industry” sectors have increased compared to the first half of 2023, while other sectors have experienced a decline in revenue.
Click here to access the export figures for all the countries Turkey exports to.
What steps should be taken to start exporting?
Exporting is a complex process that requires careful planning, preparation, and following specific steps. Export operations must be conducted in compliance with local and international regulations. The key steps to take for exporting are:
1. Market Research and Target Setting:
- Identify potential markets and assess demand, competition, and potential customers in these markets.
- Focus on the countries or regions where you plan to export and determine your target markets.
2. Evaluating Product and Service Suitability:
- Assess whether the product or service you plan to export is suitable for international market demand.
- Check for compliance with local regulations and standards.
3. Researching Foreign Trade Regulations:
- Learn about the foreign trade regulations and customs procedures of the countries you will be exporting to.
- Ensure you have the necessary knowledge to prepare the required documents (invoice, shipping document, certificate of origin, etc.).
4. Determine Pricing and Payment Terms:
- Develop a pricing strategy to offer your product or service at a competitive price in the international market.
- Determine your payment terms and methods.
5. Logistics and Distribution Planning:
- Plan the transportation and distribution of your products. Develop a reliable logistics strategy for shipping, storage, and distribution.
- Select the appropriate transportation method (sea, air, road, etc.).
6. International Marketing and Promotion:
- Create an effective marketing strategy to promote your product or service in target markets.
- Strengthen your brand through digital marketing, trade fairs, events, and other promotional tools.
7. Financing and Insurance:
- Identify suitable financing sources for your export operations.
- Consider risk mitigation tools such as international trade insurance.
8. Legal Support and Contracts:
- Seek expert legal advice and prepare export contracts.
- Understand international contract terms and local legal regulations.
9. Customs Procedures and Documentation:
- Prepare the necessary documents to effectively manage customs procedures.
- Organize customs documents such as certificates of origin, invoices, and shipping documents.
10. International Collaboration and Networking:
- Collaborate with local partners, distributors, or agents in the countries where you plan to export.
- Expand your international business network through trade chambers, business councils, and other organizations.
The export process can be complex, so careful planning and expertise are required. Seeking assistance from experienced consultants and experts in international trade can help you manage your operations more smoothly.
