What Does Turkey Export? A Look at Turkey’s Top Exports

Turkey is a major exporter of various goods and products to countries around the world. As an emerging market economy, Turkey has steadily grown its export industry over the past few decades. In 2023, Turkey exported around $272 billion worth of goods.

Some of Turkey’s most valuable and well-known exports include automobiles, precious metals and jewelry, textiles, and agricultural products. Keep reading to learn more about Turkey’s top exported goods and its major export partners.

Overview of Turkey’s Exports

• In 2023, Turkey exported around $272 billion in goods. This makes Turkey the 28th largest exporter in the world

• Between 2018-2023 the total value of Turkey’s exports grew by around 41%, from $197 billion to $272 billion.

• The top categories of Turkish exports in 2023 were:

  • Vehicles like cars and trucks ($30,8B)

  • Machinery including computers ($25.2B)

  • Refined petroleum and fuels ($16.4B)

  • Electrical equipment ($15.4B)

  • Precious metals and jewelry ($13.6B)

• The top destinations for exports from Turkey are European countries (57% of exports) and Asian countries (26%). Germany, the United States, Iraq, the United Kingdom, and Italy are the leading individual export partners.

• Key exports where Turkey has a competitive advantage include knit clothing, iron and steel articles, fruits and nuts, and textile floor coverings.

• Main categories where Turkey has large trade deficits include mineral fuels, precious metals, machinery, iron and steel, and electrical equipment. This suggests opportunities for Turkey to enhance its global competitiveness in these areas through innovation.

Top 10 Turkish Exports

Below are the top categories of goods exported from Turkey and their export values in 2023:

1. Vehicles such as cars, trucks, and parts ($30.8B)

   • Main exports are cars and commercial vehicles. Auto manufacturers like Ford, Fiat, Renault, and Hyundai operate plants in Turkey.

2. Machinery including computers ($25.2B)

   • Turkey exports both heavy machinery as well as computers and electronics.

3. Refined Petroleum and Fuels ($16.4B)

   • Although Turkey imports most crude oil it refines, it does export processed oil products.

4. Electrical Equipment like circuits and wiring ($15.4B)

   • Electrical parts and equipment are major Turkish exports. Companies like Vestel produce electronics domestically.

5. Precious Metals and Jewelry ($13.6B)

   • Gold and precious metals are exported after domestic refining and processing. Istanbul is a global hub for gold jewelry.

6. Plastics and Plastic Articles ($10.6B)

   • Plastic goods like tubes, packing materials, and plates are key exports.

7. Knit or Crochet Clothing and Accessories ($10.3B)

   • Textiles are a traditional Turkish export. The country is known for knitwear and apparel.

8. Articles of Iron or Steel like structures and containers ($10.1B)

   • Although Turkey imports a lot of base metals, it does export finished and fabricated steel products.

9. Iron and Steel like bars, rods, tubes ($8.9B)

   • Semi-finished steel and iron are still one of Turkey’s major exports.

10. Non-Knit Clothing and Accessories ($8B)

    • Woven clothing and apparel account for billions in exports annually.

Major Export Partners

The top destinations for Turkey’s exports in 2023 were:

• Germany: $24.7 billion
• United States: $15.9 billion
• United Kingdom: $15.1 billion
• United Arab Emirates: $14.7 billion
• Iraq: $12.8 billion
• Italy: $12.4 billion
• Russia: $11 billion
• France: $10.2 billion
• Spain: $9.7 billion
• Netherlands: $8.5 billion

The leading import partners clearly show the importance of trade with European nations as well as Middle Eastern neighbors for Turkish exports. Germany alone accounts for around 9% of Turkey’s total exports.

Key Manufactured Exports

In addition to the major categories of Turkish exports listed above, other significant exports include:

• Automobiles and Commercial Vehicles – Companies like Ford, Fiat, Renault, Toyota, Hyundai, and Mercedes-Benz manufacture cars, vans, trucks, and buses in Turkey. Auto exports were worth $9.4 billion in 2023.

• Appliances – Major appliances like washing machines, refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers are exported to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Turkish brands include Vestel, Beko, and Arçelik.

• Defense Products – Turkey has a large domestic defense industry exporting naval vessels, aircraft, armored vehicles, missiles, firearms, and ammunition. Defense exports reached $3 billion in 2023.

• Petrochemicals – Turkey has a developed petrochemicals industry that exports products like plastics, synthetic rubber, fertilizers, and more.

• Textiles and Apparel – From luxury fashion brands to mass-market apparel, textile and garment exports account for over $10 billion annually.

• Processed Food – Agro-food processing for exports includes dried fruits and nuts, grain mills, olive oil, and more.

• Construction Materials – Major exports include cement, ceramics, tiles, glass, insulation, pipes, and prefabricated buildings.

Outlook for Turkey’s Exports

Turkey’s exports have grown substantially over the past decade as the country has industrialized and nurtured export-oriented manufacturing. Automotive and electronics exports have driven much of this growth as foreign multinational companies have established production in Turkey.

The top exports highlight Turkey’s competitive advantages in industries like textiles, food processing, and metals manufacturing. However, the trade deficits in areas like machinery and high-tech products show potential gaps where Turkey could further develop export capacity.

Overall, strategic investment in export diversification and high-value manufacturing will be essential for Turkey’s exports to keep growing in the future. This includes focusing on areas like electronics, automation, aerospace, and other advanced industries. Utilizing its skilled workforce and industrial base, Turkey can continue expanding and diversifying its exports to support economic growth.