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Uludağ Automotive Industry Exporters' Association (OİB) announced the export figures of the automotive industry. September exports increased by 12% compared to the same month of the previous year. It reached 2 billion 753 million dollars. Compared to August, this increase is pleasing.

The industry, which contributes 13.9 percent of Turkey's exports, kept its second-place ranking. The automobile industry's exports climbed by 5%. It totaled $22.3 billion between January and September of this year. In the first nine months, the average monthly export was 2.5 billion dollars.

After the 6% decrease in August, the approximately 12% increase in September is of great importance in terms of exports. Baran Çelik, Chairman of the Automotive Industry Exporters' Association, made a statement regarding these figures. "The figure we achieved was the highest September export ever."

On the basis of product group, the highest export was seen in the supply industry, while he also drew attention to the double-digit increase in passenger cars. A triple-digit increase was recorded in the export of tractor trucks.

The EU Has the Largest Share of Exports

In September, exports to Germany increased by 27% and became 403 million dollars, while the United Kingdom ranked second with 324 million dollars despite a 4% decline. France, where exports increased by 35% to 270 million dollars, ranked third in the automotive export list.

In September, exports increased by 23%  to Italy, 24% to Spain, and 68% to Poland in the automotive sector. An increase of 20% to Romania, 40% to Bulgaria, and 32% to Sweden raises hopes for the coming months. A decrease was observed in exports to Czechia, Egypt, and the USA.

European Union countries ranked first on the basis of the country group with a 64% share and an export of 1 billion 758 million dollars in September. The fact that the largest share belongs to the European Union countries also proves the recognition of the Turkish automotive industry in the world market. Exports to EU countries increased by 22%. In the same period, exports to African countries decreased by 16%.

Çelik added that the high increase rate in exports to Germany, France, and Poland in September attracted attention.

Exports by Product Group in the Turkish Automotive Sector

The largest product group in August, Supply Industry, saw a growth of 12% and reached an export of $1 billion, 67 million dollars. Motor Vehicles for Goods Transport fell by 50% to 297 million dollars, while Passenger Cars fell by 4% to 628 million dollars. In contrast to this, the Bus-Minibus-Midibus product category increased exports by 13% to 133 million dollars.

Despite the drop seen in August, according to Chairman of the Board of Directors Baran Çelik, exports were higher than the average for that month, which was typically below $2 billion. The supply industry was the most exported product group in August. He said that the Bus-Minibus-Midibus product group had double-digit growth alongside the supply industry.

Exports to the USA Increased the Most in Supply Industry

A 16% increase was observed in Germany, the country to which the most exports were made in the Supply Industry. On the other hand, an increase of 23% was observed in the USA, one of the important markets. The increase in exports to Russia by 16%, France by 23%, Spain by 48%, and Poland by 17% also emphasizes the value of the supply industry exports. In this respect, the value given to production is increasing day by day. Turkish manufacturers are increasing their orientation in this field.

While exports of passenger cars to France increased by 67%, there was an increase of 101% to the United Kingdom, one of the important markets. Looking at other countries, a 24% increase in Spain, 73% in Italy, and 120% in Poland are on the list. Exports to Morocco, which decreased to other items, increased by 62% in passenger cars.

The tractor category experienced the highest rate of export growth in September. Tow vehicle exports surged by 249 percent to 201 million dollars.

Highest September Exports Recorded in History

As a result, it was the highest September exports that have been recorded in history. Increases in each item of the automotive industry also point to Turkey's place in the world market in terms of production. Saying that the expectations for the automotive sector are even greater, Çelik also drew attention to the breadth of Turkey's export framework. Increasing demands are fixing Turkey's position both in the local and world market.

With the advancement of technology and production network, it is among the expectations that the framework will expand further and the diversity in product items will increase. Looking at both the September export value and the nine-month data, Turkey's position in the foreign market continues to strengthen.

Turkey is among the leading exporting countries in the world in agricultural trade with its production potential. Turkey reached a record level by performing the best export of all time, with exports of 24.5 billion dollars in the first 9 months of 2022 in the field of agriculture.

Turkey increases the productivity obtained from agricultural products by closely following and applying technological developments and R&D studies in the field. Along with the normalization after Covid-19, Turkey has achieved significant success in the export of agricultural products.

According to the latest updated data shared by the Turkish Exporters Assembly, Turkey's exports increased by 17% in the January-September 2022 period. In addition, income from agricultural exports reached 188 billion 224 million dollars.

Record Exports in the Agriculture Sector in January-September 2022

Turkey is an agricultural country with fertile land and natural and high-quality agricultural products produced in Turkey are exported to countries around the world. Turkey, which continuously develops itself in the field of agriculture, is a country with production potential. In this respect, Turkey is a valuable country in agricultural trade in the world. According to the latest data, Turkey realized exports worth $24.5 billion in the first nine months of the year. Thus, Turkey realized the highest exports of all time in January-September in the agricultural sector.

Record Exports Realized in 5 Sub-Agricultural Sectors

In the first 9 months of 2022, some sectors reached a record level of exports in the agricultural group. These sectors are cereals, pulses, oilseeds and products, fruit and vegetable products, dried fruits and products, aquaculture and animal products, furniture, paper, and forest products.

Strategically Important Sector: Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds, and Product

Cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and products constitute the basic nutritional foods of people. In this respect, they have an important strategic value for all countries. The importance of these products was understood once again, especially with the start of the Russia-Ukraine War and the difficulties in accessing basic foodstuffs. Turkey is a country that is self-sufficient in this sub-agricultural sector and can export to other countries. In the first 9 months of 2022, exports in this sector increased by 28.9%. In addition, exports of cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and products amounted to 8 billion 254 million dollars.

Fruit and Vegetable Products

Turkey has achieved a rapid acceleration in the export of fruit and vegetable products. In the January-September period of 2022, Turkey realized a record export of 1 billion 811 million dollars in fruit and vegetable products with an increase of 23.2% compared to the previous period. 

Leading Country for Dried Fruit Products

Turkey is one of the leading countries in the world in the export of dried fruit products. It is the country that produces and exports the most raisins, dried figs, and dried apricots in the world. An increase of 5.2% was observed in dried fruit products in the first 9 months of the year compared to the previous year. Also, Turkey realized 1 billion 82 million worth of exports in this sub-sector.

2023 Target in Aquatic and Animal Products is 4.2 billion dollars

In the January-September period of 2022, exports of aquatic products and animal products increased by 28.2% compared to the previous period. Also, Turkey exported 3 billion 51 million dollars of this sub-sector. Turkey has achieved significant success in the export of this sub-sector. Aquatic products are exported to 62 countries, especially to the UK, Italy, and the Netherlands. Besides, the export target set for this sub-sector for 2023 is 4.2 billion dollars.

Furniture Paper and Forestry Products

The last sub-sector in which Turkey realized a record level of exports is furniture, paper, and forestry products. In the first nine months of 2022, exports in this sector increased by 25.2%. Foreign exchange income from furniture, paper, and forestry products exported from Turkey to countries around the world is 6 billion 220 million dollars.

Most Demands Came from Iraq in Record-Breaking Sectors

Iraq was the country with the highest demand in sub-sectors that broke records in agricultural exports. Iraq realized 1.7 billion dollars worth of imports in cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and products. In addition, Turkey exported fruit and vegetable products to Iraq for 287.6 million dollars and also aquatic and animal products worth 575.4 million dollars. Finally, Turkey exported $728 million worth of furniture, paper and forestry products to Iraq.

Exports to Iraq increased by 56.3% in cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and products, 98.3% in fruit and vegetable products, 49.2% in aquatic and animal products, and 7.1% in furniture, paper, and forest products. Besides, dried fruits, and products worth 138.8 million dollars were exported to Germany, an important trade partner for Turkey.

The tasty pistachios from Turkey are still in high demand. In the first nine months of the year, Turkey exported pistachios worth 145 million 958 thousand dollars to 100 different nations. In 2021, shipments were made to 110 different countries, according to information gathered using data from the Southeastern Anatolian Exporters' Associations. Turkish pistachio exports, which were valued at 209 million 686 thousand dollars, are quite significant for the nation.

Between January and September of last year, 129 million 816 thousand dollars were obtained for 12 thousand 319 tons of products. In the same period this year, exports to 100 countries increased by 12 percent on a value basis. On the other hand, an income of 145 million 958 thousand dollars was achieved.

In the third quarter of the year, Turkey exported 15 thousand 941 tons of Turkish pistachios to 100 countries. Among these countries, Iraq, Georgia, the Netherlands, and Algeria lead the list. In addition, Malaysia, Japan, Morocco and France, Oman, Dubai, Belgium, Spain, Austria, and Russia are among the countries it exports to. 

Italy took first place in this list in Turkey's pistachio exports. Turkey sent pistachios worth 31 million 400 thousand dollars to Italy. Germany followed Italy with 22 million 213 thousand dollars and Kyrgyzstan with 13 million 353 thousand dollars.

Turkey's Pistachio Production Network

In practically every aspect of Turkish cuisine, from desserts to main courses, pistachio remains one of the unchanging flavors. It is popular both in Turkey and abroad. Pistachio is produced in 22 Turkish cities, notably in Şanlıurfa and Gaziantep, and is highly in demand by local farmers because of the excellent economic return it offers to the grower.

Şanlıurfa produces 42 percent of Turkey's pistachios on its own. In addition, pistachio production areas in the city are increasing day by day. Moreover, the production density in Gaziantep is quite high and new production areas are added yearly.

With each passing year, the expectation of production yield is increasing. Local studies on pistachio production are also continuing. Studies are carried out to ensure that the soil yields more productive products and that the products are healthy. In this way, the tendency towards Turkey pistachios from abroad is quite high. Exports of both oily and high-quality Turkish pistachio also increase in this case.

High Year-End Export Expectations

Şanlıurfa Commodity Exchange Chairman Mehmet Kaya made statements regarding Turkey's pistachio exports in the January-September period of this year. He stated that the increase in pistachio exports by 12 percent year over year. Kaya added that it was pleasing for the country's economy.

He underlined that the situation in the world today showed that a strong economy could only be built with the revival of agriculture. And added:

"In this context, we must develop methods that benefit both our farmers and traders, and protect our strategic products with appropriate agricultural policies."

When all these measures and developments are achieved, it is obvious that the production and export figures will increase even more. He underlined that it was not surprising to expect more yields from these lands where peanuts were famous.

Stating that Şanlıurfa is the city with the most pistachio trees, Kaya also announced that it was registered with the geographical indication under the name of 'Urfa keten köyneği fıstığı'. Şanlıurfa is also in first place in terms of yield. He added that despite the changing climatic conditions and global crises, Turkey's success in export figures is pleasing to the producers and the government. 

Based on Kaya's words, it is certain that with the new crops obtained in this period, the production and export figures will gradually increase until the end of the year. Mehmet Kaya concluded his words on exports as follows:

"Our country will have more say in the world market in terms of pistachio."

Licensed Warehouse Works Continue

Studies on pistachio production and conservation in Turkey continue. In this way, the importance given to both the labor of the producer and the export figures is increasing. Kaya explained that within Borsa İstanbul, they are working on improving the production and trade of pistachio. He stated that the first of these was the establishment of a pistachio-licensed warehouse.

Noting that they continue to work in this direction, Kaya continued as follows:

 "With our pistachio-licensed warehouse going into operation, our farmers and traders will show more interest in this field. Moreover, Turkey will achieve greater success in exports."

Turkey has a rich infrastructure in terms of production and a wide export network. As a result, Turkey continues its activities in terms of Turkish pistachio production. Turkey continues to work to realize its ambitions in providing pistachio both in the local market and in the foreign market.

Turkey is the world leader in the production and export of dried figs. In the 2021-2022 export season,  Turkey exported 70 thousand 674 tons of dried figs all over the world. In the same season, the amount of foreign currency Turkey obtained from dried fig exports amounted to 258 million dollars.

Turkey is the Leader in Dried Figs

Mehmet Ali Işık, President of the Aegean Dried Fruits and Products Exporters' Association, defines dried figs as a prestigious product worldwide. Işık stated that Turkey alone accounted for 60% of the world's dried fig exports. This export rate, which is an important success for Turkey, continues to increase day by day. He added, “The world's best quality figs ‘yellow lop’ are produced in Turkey. 

Figs are at the top of the world-class superfoods list. Turkey has been carrying out its studies meticulously for many years to increase the production quality and food safety of dried figs. Delicious and high-quality Turkish dried figs were delivered to 102 countries in the 2021-2022 season, from 6 October 2021 to 7 October 2022. In the related season, Turkey exported 258 million dollars of dried figs. In addition, Europe had a 51% share in dried fig exports.”

Turkey's Delicious Dried Figs Are Exported All Over the World

In dried fig exports, Europe is Turkey's major trading partner with a foreign exchange value of 134 million dollars. In the 2021-2022 season, Turkey exported 53 million dollars of dried figs to the Americas. This rate increased by 2.3% compared to last season. Turkey exported dried figs to Asian, Far East, and Oceania countries with an increase of 5.6%, amounting to 30 million dollars. Also, there was a significant increase in Middle Eastern countries. Dried fig exports amounted to 17 million dollars with an increase of 19% in the 2021-2022 season. Finally, exports of 9.8 million dollars were realized to Slavic countries and Turkic Republics.

The USA Ranks First in Dried Fig Exports

Işık said that the USA is one of the leading countries where dried figs were exported the most. Turkey exported dried figs worth 35 million dollars to the USA in the 2021-2022 season.  Turkey exported dried figs in the amount of 34 million dollars to France and 33 million dollars to Germany. Dried figs amounting to 14 million dollars were exported to Italy with an increase of 29%. In addition, a notable increase was observed in Canada. Turkey exported 13 million dollars of dried figs to Canada with an increase of 35%. On the other hand, 10 million dollars of dried figs were exported to Japan, an important trade partner for Turkey, with an increase of 17%.

Primary Target: 300 Million Dollars of Dried Figs Export

Turkey expects that the yield and quality of dried figs will be high in the 2022-2023 season. Also, the target for the dried fig export of the 2022-2023 season is to reach 75 thousand tons and increase the export value to 300 million dollars. In the export of dried figs, the 2022-2023 season was met with abundance. The first export  of the season took place on October 7. On this day, $17 million worth of dried figs were loaded onto ships and exported all over the world.

Işık said the distribution on the first day of the season was promising. He continued his words as follows, “This year's target in dried fig exports is 75 thousand tons. Last season,  between 80-90 thousand tons of dried fig were produced in Turkey. Of this amount, Turkey exported nearly 70 thousand tons. The first days of the season started well and production is better compared to last season. The more efficient we are in production, the higher the export will be.”

Demand for Dried Gigs is Increasing Every Year

Dried figs are a product with an export culture. The income from dried figs is increasing every year. Therefore, it is important to increase the efficiency of the production of dried figs. 

Germencik Tariş Fig Union Business Manager Mehmet Ali Tu also stated that they increased their export targets in dried figs this season. Tu said, "We can reach an export of 300 million dollars in Turkey. Because the world especially loves Aydın figs. The demand for figs is increasing year by year. With the pandemic, the demand for natural and organic products has become too high. We are trying to meet the demands.”

Turkey's exports in September totaled 22.6 billion dollars. The highest September performance of all time was achieved with this figure. Exports climbed by 9.2 percent in September compared to the same month of the previous year. Turkey's exports totaled 188 billion dollars in the first nine months of the year and 252 billion dollars in the previous twelve months.

Trade Minister Mehmet Muş participated in the conference, which was held in a hotel in Trabzon. He was accompanied by Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) President Mustafa Gültepe. At the conference, foreign trade numbers for September were released. Foreign trade volume increased by 26.3 percent to 55 billion 616 million dollars in September, according to information provided. The foreign trade deficit was assessed to be 10 billion 384 million dollars, a 298.3 percent rise. During the same time period, the export-to-import ratio was 68.5 percent. 

Minister Muş stated, "In September, our exports climbed by 9.2 percent to 22.6 billion dollars. This is the highest September export figure we've ever had. From January to September, our exports increased by 17% to $188.2 billion. Our international trade volume hit 55.6 billion dollars.’’.

The meeting in Trabzon was conducted to assess international trade data and periodic developments. Minister Muş expressed his delight at being in Trabzon on this occasion. Trabzon's quickly increasing industry and economics play a significant role in the region's growth. It is also regularly highlighted in tourism.

Muş also underlined that Trabzon has also asserted itself in foreign trade as a city where entrepreneurs who have achieved success throughout the country and the world have arisen. Furthermore, that Trabzon is one of the country's top 20 exporting provinces. He also stated that following this meeting he would engage with business representatives and undertake consultations.

"The Turkish economy continues to expand significantly."

Minister Muş discussed the likelihood of a recession, which began to have an impact on many countries. Also, high inflation persisted in the global economy since last year. He continued by claiming that Turkey, despite this negative news, has reached the highest export total in history.

It was emphasized that Turkey is living in a time when numerous difficulties in the global economy are occurring at the same time. Muş added, "As Turkey, we will continue to support every measure that contributes to world solidarity, as we did yesterday, in accordance with our peace-oriented foreign policy principle. The battle on the opposite side of the Black Sea will cease as quickly as possible, particularly in terms of food and energy.’’

‘’Solutions such as the Istanbul Consensus, which has been effectively implemented for two months to reduce its influence on the global economy, particularly on security, have helped to prevent a potential food crisis because the grain corridor serves to soothe markets and restrict food inflation. The Turkish economy eventually managed to register a successful rate of increase of 7.6 percent in the second quarter of 2022, reaching the greatest growth rate of the year. As a result, despite global challenges, our economy continues to grow in a balanced and sustainable manner." Minister Muş summarized Turkey’s trade and economic actions.

The Export Share of the Manufacturing Industry was 95%

The export-to-import ratio was 68.5 percent in the aforementioned time period. Germany had the highest exports in September, with 2 billion 2 million dollars and an 18.2 percent rise. The United States comes in second with 1 billion 378 million dollars, and Iraq comes in third place with 1 billion 277 million dollars and a 24.3% increase. The top ten countries with the highest percentage of total exports had a 47.6 percent share of total exports.

During this time period, the European Union exported the most goods with 8 billion 901 million dollars, followed by the Near and Middle East countries with 4 billion 144 million dollars. In terms of industries, the manufacturing industry accounted for 95% of September exports. Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries accounted for 2.6 percent, and mining and quarrying amounted to 1.8 percent.

To conclude, despite global crises that greatly impacted other countries, Turkey's export growth persisted in September. Turkey announced that it had increased its exports to 22.6 billion dollars in September. Turkey’s export figures also reached 252 billion dollars in a 12-month period.

It was revealed that Turkey's exports climbed by 9.2 percent in September to $22.6 billion. Exports exceeded 188 billion dollars in nine months and 252 billion dollars in a year.

Trade Minister Muş discussed Turkey's export figures at the Export Mobilization Summit. Noting that a record was broken in all of the first 9 months, Minister Muş said, "Even if global demand decreases, Turkey will achieve its export target."

The meeting was also accompanied by Mustafa Gültepe, Chairman of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM). Gültepe stated that they had grown their exports to 131 countries, with Germany, the United States, and Iraq being the top three exporting countries. Gültepe also claimed that exports hit 22.6 billion dollars in September, a 9.2 percent increase. It was stated that they realized the highest September export performance to date.

The Chemical Industry Represented the Majority of Exports

Gültepe reported that in the last 12 months, they broke a monthly export record. "The concern about shrinking in global trade is growing," Gültepe said. ‘’Despite the economic downturn, this success becomes far more significant. In September, our 15 industries increased their exports. This month, our top five sectors are chemistry and biotechnology, with 2.9 billion and 2.7 billion dollars."

According to TIM statistics, the chemicals and products industry exported 2 billion 920 million dollars last month. The automobile industry came second with  2 billion 753 million dollars. The ready-made textile and apparel industry ranked third with 1 billion 928 million dollars. Ship and yacht services had seen the greatest growth in exports last month, rising 69.5 percent. Exports in the industrial sector, which accounted for 82.2 percent of overall Turkish exports last month, were 16 billion 273 million dollars, a 3 percent increase.

"Our grains, machinery, and fruit and vegetable products industries earned the highest export figures in their history," Gültepe continued. ‘’With the effect of global market developments, chemistry remains the leading export sector. Apart from these, significant gains have been made in our automotive, furniture, and jewelry sectors. This month, 45 provinces increased their exports. In that order, our top five exporting provinces are Istanbul, Kocaeli, Bursa, İzmir, and Ankara. In addition to these cities, large increases were observed in Sakarya, Çorum, Konya, and Gaziantep. With its ideal location and extensive hinterland, we envision Trabzon as a vital gateway between Russia, the Caucasus, and the Turkish Republics."

While 45 provinces boosted their exports in September, the top five provinces with the largest exports were Istanbul with 8.8 billion dollars, Kocaeli with 1.6 billion dollars, and Bursa with 1.4 billion dollars. 

"In September, 15 industries raised their exports."

Trade Minister Mehmet Muş addressed global recession concerns. Despite the recession, which affected countries all over the world in terms of trade, he stated that exports climbed by 9.2 percent in September to 22.6 billion dollars. Muş declared that this is the highest September export result in history and that the top monthly export figures were attained in all of 2022.

Germany is the Most Exported Country

Turkey's expectations from Trabzon province are quite high. Gültepe stated that Trabzon will target 2 billion dollars in the 100th year of the Republic. Trabzon exported 1,251 goods to 129 countries in 27 sectors in September. Saying that exports were made to 220 countries in September, Gültepe announced that they increased their exports to 131 countries.

According to the figures given at the meeting, Germany, the United States, and Iraq are the top three exporting countries. In addition to these countries, Saudi Arabia increased its imports by 221% while Lebanon increased its imports by 102%. Switzerland follows these countries with 71%. "350 representatives from 257 foreign companies participated in our missions," Gültepe stated. ‘’More than 600 bilateral business meetings were held between our companies. We planned trade missions to Romania and Tatarstan last month, with 46 members from exporters' unions and company representatives participating."

It was stated that Turkish goods were very popular in these countries. This month, 1,942 Turkish enterprises exported for the first time. In September, new businesses earned 114 million dollars in exports. On the other hand, the unit export value climbed by 22% over the same month of the previous year, reaching 1.62 dollars.

"We updated TIM's mission and vision last month"

According to Gültepe, renewable resources contribute to 28 percent of global electricity production. These sources also contribute to 46 percent of Turkey’s electricity production.  Furthermore, he noted that the Turkish Exporters' Association (TIM) is actively monitoring all export-related issues. The discussion emphasized the significance of connecting the sectors as an overarching framework. TIM's vision and objectives, which were modified last month, were updated to place Turkey among the top 10 exporters.

Gültepe stated that they have specified their short, medium, and long-term export ambitions for a promising future. Turkey's exports totaled 22.6 billion dollars in September and Turkey's 12-month export targets continue to be achieved.