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In recent years, Turkey's "technology-intensive product" manufacturing industry has grown significantly. Technology-intensive product exports climbed by 19.2 percent in the first seven months of the year compared to the same period of the previous year. The aforementioned product group’s export reached 136.5 billion dollars in total.

Technology-intensive products provide enormous value to economies. As a result, technology output is now one of the elements revealing the development gap between countries. In other words, countries that have finalized their investments in technology manufacturing can differentiate themselves from other countries in terms of development.

The growth in technology-intensive product exports that occurred last year has continued to rise in the first seven months of this year. The Turkish Statistical Institute and the Ministry of Commerce both released data on technology-intensive goods. Last year, exports of high, medium-high, medium-low, and low technology products continued to rise. The exports totaled 212 billion 809 million dollars, according to the information provided.

The data revealed an increase in the export of technology-intensive products as well as the export of products with high added value. Growth in the aforementioned products in 2021 over the previous year attracted attention. Turkey now holds a significant position in this industry as a result of the 33 percent increase compared to the previous year. High-tech products contribute almost 6.5 billion dollars in technology-intensive product exports. Medium high-technology products contribute approximately 71 billion dollars. 

Turkey Gained the Most from Medium-High Technology Products

The increase in the exports of technology-intensive products last year continued at the same pace this year. According to technology intensity, exports of manufacturing industry products increased in the January-July period compared to the previous year. The export amount in the said product group increased by 19.2 percent and reached 136 billion 548 million dollars. In the same period of the last year, the number of exports was recorded as approximately 114 billion 542 million dollars.

Until July 2022, the majority of exports were in medium-high technology products. Exports of high-tech items totaled around $3.8 billion and medium-high technology products totaled $45.8 billion. Medium-low technology products totaled $43.9 billion, and low-tech products totaled $43.7 billion.

The percentage increase compared to last year is also noticeable. Exports of high-tech products climbed by 11.5 percent compared to the same period the previous year. Medium-high technology product exports increased by 14.1%.

Imports of High-Tech Products Decreased

In the January-July period, imports of manufacturing industry products, according to technology intensity, increased by 25.6 percent compared to the same period of the previous year. Imports reached 144 billion 129 million dollars in total. In the same period of last year, the import of these products was at the level of 114.7 billion dollars.

In the period covering the same month, there was a decrease in the import of "high-technology products". Turkey imported 14.6 billion dollars of high-tech products in the January-July period of last year. In the same period of this year, 13.7 billion dollars of foreign purchases were made in the same category. As a result, imports of high-tech products decreased by 6.3 percent.

Considering the imported technology groups, imports were mostly realized in the medium-high technology category. Importing approximately 61.8 billion dollars in this category, Turkey has signed import deals totaling around 61.8 billion dollars in this category, with 50.5 billion dollars in medium-low technology products and 17.9 billion dollars in low-technology products.

In summary, in January and July, exports of technology-intensive products increased by 19.2 percent compared to the same month of the previous year. Turkey continues to increase its exports in the "intensive technology product" sector. Moving towards the target planned for this sector, Turkey expects the increase to continue at the same level until the end of the year.

Turkey's Exports of Technology-Intensive Products Continue to Grow

According to the information provided, it was stated that Turkey should increase the weight of "High and Medium-High Technology Products" in its export-based growth model. Export income from technology products is important to a country's economic growth, development, and future. As a result, it was also said that the production of the aforementioned products should be mobilized for research, development, and innovation with modern and sustainable standards. 

It is also stated that the Turkish economy should be given a competitive identity in order to continue exports. The output volume of technology sectors in Turkey is expanding in response to an increase in domestic and overseas demand.

The Furniture, Paper, and Forest Products industry contributed $5.45 billion to Turkey's exports in the first eight months of the year. The exports of the furniture industry reached $3.11 billion. 

The Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) revealed Turkey's export results for August 2022. The furniture, paper, and forestry products industry boosted its exports by 21.2 percent in August and earned 733.1 million dollars. Turkey reached an export of 5.5 billion dollars in the first eight months of the year, with a 26.4 percent growth rate. According to the Istanbul Exporters' Associations (İİB), Turkey continues to maintain its steady growth in different sectors with record export figures. 

According to the released figures, Turkey reached the highest August exports of all time. Turkey's international sales increased by 13.2% last month, reaching $21.3 billion. In the January-August period, exports reached 165 billion 672 million dollars. It increased by 18.3 percent. Turkey's exports have surpassed 250 billion dollars in the last 12 months.

The sector of Furniture, Paper, and Forest Products contributes to the Turkish economy through increased investment and export figures. Compared to the same period of the previous year, August exports amounted to 733 million dollars, increasing by 21 percent. The contribution of the Furniture, Paper, and Forest Products sector to Turkey's exports in 8 months of the year was 5.45 billion dollars.

The Most Furniture Export Was Made to Iraq with 337 Million Dollars

The increase in the export share of the furniture sector continues on a monthly basis. The furniture industry also expanded in the first 8 months of the year. It showed success with a rate of 8 out of 8. Exports of furniture, paper, and forestry products in Turkey increased by 21.2 percent from August 2021 to August 2022. It became the 10th most successful sector. In August, a total of 407 million dollars were exported. The 8-month exports of the furniture industry reached $3.11 billion in total. 

The list of the most exported countries in the furniture sector in the first 8 months of the year has been announced. Iraq comes in first place with 337 million dollars. Germany ranks second with 272.4 million dollars. Following Germany, Israel achieved furniture imports of 169.5 million dollars. With $169.3 million, the United States is fourth, and France ranks fifth with $141.7 million on the list. When it comes to countries where the export share has increased, Qatar ranks first with a 74.3 percent growth rate. Furniture exports to Qatar totaled 119.3 million dollars in the first eight months of the year.

The majority of exported furniture products are varied. Bedsteads and cradles for children, furniture for sitting, and wooden furniture for dining and living rooms came to the fore. Metal furniture and furniture for sitting that can be converted into beds were also among the products that stood out.

"The increase in exports is a positive development for the sector’’

Erkan Özkan, President of Istanbul Furniture, Paper and Forest Products Exporters' Association, shared his views on the provided data. He remarked that, in addition to the recessions experienced around the world, global events such as the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war and high energy prices highly impacted trade globally. He stated that in a period when these negative events continued, the increase in exports as a sector was a positive development with which they were pleased.

Erkan Özkan noted that efforts were made for enterprises to expand into new markets outside of their existing ones. These efforts provided considerable contributions to exports. "Additionally, the fair season has begun with the autumn season. And in the coming months, our companies will participate in both domestic and foreign fairs relevant to our sector and will contribute favorably to the performance of furniture exports in the last quarter," he added.

Other Wood Products Sector Is Growing Rapidly

When the August exports were evaluated on a sub-group basis, the furniture product group took first place with an increase of 7 percent. Within the sub-groups, it was observed that there was a 19.1 percent increase in the other wood products group. When the export figures for the January-August period are analyzed, the furniture product group is in the first place. The highest increase was realized in the other wood products product group with 44.6 percent.

In the August exports of the sector, an increase of approximately 28.2 percent was achieved in the paper-cardboard group on a value basis. When the January-August export figures were examined, it was seen that the highest increase was experienced in the other wood products group with 40.5 percent. The furniture group increased by 15 percent as well.  These export figures prove that the Furniture, Paper, and Forestry products sector is one of the rising sectors of Turkey. Turkey will achieve its 12-month target by the end of the year if it maintains its success in the first eight months.

Turkish jewelry has been among the most preferred product groups for centuries. The situation does not seem to have changed in 2022 either. The exports of the Turkish jewelry industry increased by 4.5 percent in the first 7 months of the year and reached 3 billion dollars. 

Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) announced foreign trade data. Accordingly, the Jewelry Exporters' Association (MIB) published the sector report. Accordingly, the jewelry industry's exports in July reached 371 million dollars. In the first 7 months of 2022, exports amounted to 3 billion 68 million 756 thousand dollars. Compared to the same period of the previous year, the rate of increase in exports was recorded as 4.5 percent.

Product Groups Exported by Turkey

TIM shared the data of export changes in the jewelry sector based on product groups. In July, Turkey's most exported product group was "jewelry and jewelry made of gold". This product group exported 303 million dollars.

In the "unprocessed or semi-processed gold" group, exports amounted to 28.6 million dollars. Additionally, the revenue of 13.5 billion dollars was obtained in the group of "jewelry items and accessories in gold with diamonds". The last group is "jewelry and jewelry made of silver". In this product group, 8.2 million dollars were exported.

The first seven months of 2022 are quite remarkable in terms of product group exports. According to the data in the first seven months of the year, an increase of 30% was observed in the exports of "jewelry and jewelry made of gold" compared to the same period of the previous year. The seven-month export revenue of this product group was 2 billion 459 million dollars. In second place is the "unprocessed or semi-processed gold" group, which exports 234 million dollars.

Moreover, it was noted that the exports of the products in the group of "jewelry articles and accessories made of gold with diamonds" gained a high momentum. It ranked third with an increase of 80.7% and exports of 149 million dollars. Finally, in fourth place is "jewelry and jewelry made of silver", which exports 85 million dollars with an increase of 12.6%.

Countries Preferring Turkish Jewelry Most

The country to which Turkey exported the most jewelry in July was recorded as the United Arab Emirates. Revenue of 72 million dollars was obtained.

The United States took second place with 47 million dollars on the list. In addition, Hong Kong ranked third with imports worth 42 million dollars. Iraq was in fourth place with 30 million dollars of imports, and Kyrgyzstan was in fifth place with imports of 24 million dollars.

Furthermore, there are some fluctuations in the ranking in the seven months compared to July. In the first 7 months of the year, the highest export was to the USA, with an increase of 21.9% and 553.6 million dollars. The United Arab Emirates followed the USA with an increase of 61.7% and exports of 545 million dollars. In addition, Hong Kong ranked third with an increase of 41% and 325 million dollars. Iraq took fourth place with 183 million dollars of exports. Finally, Israel took fifth place with 151 million dollars of exports.

Apart from the reports on jewelry exports, the analysis of Burak Yakin, the Chairman of the Jewelry Exporters' Association, whose views are included in the statement, also draws attention. Moreover, he stated that the added value created by the jewelry industry has become clearer with each passing month.

Jewels of Turkey, Favorite of Fairs

Yakın continued his striking statements in the analysis of the seven-month data. He stated that the jewelry sector was among the sectors with the fastest growth in exports in Turkey. In addition, he pointed out that it continued its growth momentum. "Despite the difficulties and fluctuations in the global economy, our industry is working hard to increase production and exports." He also added that they were taking firm steps towards their goal of achieving stronger results by the end of the year.

In addition to export-oriented studies, fairs also have a great impact on the acceleration of exports. Thanks to the Istanbul Jewelry Show, Turkey's jewelry is promoted. Many Turkish brands will attend the fair, which will be held for the 52nd time in October 2022.

Finally, the Istanbul Jewelry Show, one of the most popular trade shows worldwide, also significantly boosts exports. All specialists in the jewelry industry have access to rare amenities for information sharing and commercial opportunities at the show, which welcomes visitors from Russia to North Africa, Eastern Europe to the Near East, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the Middle East. Thanks to the fair where many visual feasts about the jewelry industry took place, it is estimated that Turkey's jewelry exports will gradually grow.

Turkey Honey's exports reached 26 million 226 thousand 544 dollars in the first seven months of the year. East Black Sea Exporters' Association Chairman Saffet Kalyoncu said that Turkey exported honey to 56 countries in 7 months of the year.

Kalyoncu stated that in this period, 26 million 226 thousand 544 dollars were obtained in return for 9 thousand 923 tons of honey exports. He said that in the same period last year, 4 thousand 268 tons of honey were sold and 14 million 910 thousand dollars were obtained.

Turkey's Honey Production

The Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) reports that 96,344 tons of honey were produced in Turkey in 2021. The data shows that there are now 89,361 beekeeping businesses in Turkey, an increase of 7.87% from the previous year. On the other hand, the total number of colonies climbed by 7% from the previous year to 8,733,394. Turkey's best honey-producing provinces are Adana, Ordu, Sivas, Muğla, and Aydın.

Turkey's Ordu province has traditionally produced the most honey. With an average annual production of 15,888 tons of honey, Ordu province leads all Turkish provinces when five years' worth of production data are taken into account. The typical values of honey production in the Ordu province are 25–30% greater than the average of the neighboring provinces, according to the amounts of honey produced during the past five years.

In addition, honey exports were realized as 5,881 tons in the first four months of 2022. 80% of the export consisted of filtered honey. Since 2022 is not over yet, this year's production data is not very clear. However, looking at 2021, it is expected that the total honey production data for 2022 will exceed last year's production.

Why Is Turkey's Honey Preferred?

Beekeeping is viewed as an agricultural activity that needs to be developed and increased while taking into account both Turkey's rural economic realities and its ecological diversity. Beekeeping is sustainable, structured, and mindful. There are three basic determinants of beekeeping and honey production: climate, geography, and the appropriateness of the plants for beekeeping. These are seen as being particularly important in Turkey.

Turkey's honey cultivation dates back to ancient times, considering the richness of its materials and management as a factor. Thanks to careful honey production, Turkey is one of the preferred countries when it comes to honey import.

More than ten types of honey are produced in Turkey. Some are consumed more locally. Among the exported honey types, pine honey, flower honey, and chestnut honey are the most common. The vast majority of exports consist of flower honey.

Saffet Kalyoncu also touched upon Turkey's success in honey production and export. He said that Turkey closed six months of the year with increasing figures in honey exports. He expressed that honey was a product that contributed significantly to the country's economy. Kalyoncu said that Turkey had very important potential for honey production in terms of flora diversity.

Emphasizing that they have high expectations from honey exports in this context, Kalyoncu noted that it was important to focus on the production of value-added and branded products to reach much higher figures.

He pointed out that it was also important to brand and export honey according to each flower type. And he added, "Based on this situation, our exporters and breeders should work immediately and attach importance to the export of higher value-added products."

To Which Countries Did Turkey Export Honey?

Turkey's honey production market is expanding every year. In particular, the number of countries is increasing in the export market. Kalyoncu pointed out that honey exports increased by 133 percent in quantity and 76 percent in value.

"The USA, Germany, and Spain were the countries we exported the most to. We sold 9 million 286 thousand 358 dollars of honey to the USA and 3 million 904 thousand 203 dollars to Germany. Spain ranks third with 3 million 378 thousand 193 dollars."

Kalyoncu also stated that countries have increased honey exports. Unlike last year, Turkey, Slovenia, Peru, Maldives, and Denmark are on the list. In addition to these countries, Lebanon, Yemen, the Republic of South Africa, Iraq, Venezuela, Barbados, and Mauritania continue the list of countries to which Turkey exports honey. Kalyoncu also noted that honey was sold to Liberia, Bangladesh, North Macedonia, Taiwan, and Portugal during this period.

Continuing to export honey all over the world, Turkey continues to produce high-quality honey. Exports made to 56 countries in the first quarter of 2022 are expected to be made to more countries in 2022. The rises in the production and export markets also shape the hopes for the future. Quality honey from various parts of the country, from Ordu to Aydın, will continue to gain worldwide fame. It is a fact that 56 countries and more will be added to honey exports when the efforts are combined with the quality.

The export of dried figs is still being conducted with the necessary precautions. The production and export of dried figs were discussed by Aegean Exporters' Associations. The representatives of the dried fig exporting companies gathered to decide when the season in 2022–2023 would start to see exports.

Mehmet Ali Işık, Chairman of the Aegean Dried Fruits and Products Exporters' Association, underlined the exports made to the European Union and the USA. He stated that Turkey earned 241 million dollars from dried fig exports in the 2021-2022 season. He emphasized that they expect high yield and quality in dried figs this season. Işık also underlined that they aimed to reach 70 thousand tons of total exports by 2022.

As the importance given to the production and quality of figs increases, it is observed that the target can be achieved and even higher targets can be realized.

Why Are Turkey's Dried Figs Important? 

Figs are among the most produced fruits in Turkey. Fig is a fruit that grows in many regions of Turkey, especially in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions. The city with the largest production network is Aydın. Aydın is followed by İzmir, Bursa and Mersin.

Figs are used in different forms and paired with different flavors. But the most preferred by everyone is undoubtedly dried figs. According to the average of the last ten years, Turkey ranks first in fig production with 260 thousand tons.

The fig storage conditions have a high standard in Turkey due to both the meteorological circumstances and the knowledge gained from producing figs. Because of this, figs that are dried in various ways and offered to consumers can be kept in storage for a long time. As a result, other nations purchase high-quality, nutritious dried figs from Turkey.

Turkey's Success in Dried Fig Exports

Turkey, which can especially grow different types of figs, ranks first in the world with both small and large dried figs. The demand is increasing every year. It is essential to increase the necessary care for the production, drying, and export of figs. Chairman Mehmet Işık also touched upon this issue. And at the meeting, he stated the following words.

“It is necessary to pay attention to the collection, transportation, and processing of the products to protect the image of dried figs in the world and to prevent formations that reduce quality such as aflatoxin and ochratoxin.”

He underlined that if these issues were taken into consideration, it would be a successful season. He also emphasized the importance of local production and consumption. “We will work to double our dried fig consumption, which is 5-6 thousand tons per year in the domestic market. We recommend everyone to consume 2 dried figs daily."

Dried figs are preferred in both domestic and foreign markets as it is an excellent product in terms of health. Işık emphasized the importance of intensifying the demand for dried figs on a local basis as well as in the foreign market. Moreover, it was stated in the General Assembly that it was decided to start the export of dried figs on October 7. This date will be finalized with the approval of the Ministry of Commerce.

The Situation of Turkey in Dried Figs Export

Mustafa Bircan, President of Tariş Germencik Fig Cooperative, made a statement along with Mehmet Işık. He emphasized that there is increasing momentum, especially in the foreign market every year. "As Tariş, we export dried figs to 35 countries. An added value of around 300 million dollars is created across Turkey."

Dried figs obtained from Turkey's quality crops are known by all the countries of the world as nutritious. Dried figs, which are rich in antioxidants, are also preferred for solving intestinal problems. Therefore, the reputation of dried figs continues to spread both in domestic and foreign markets.

According to the statements from the Aegean Exporters' Association, export data in 2021 can be looked at. Turkey increased its exports of dried figs by 5% to 71 thousand 719 tons in 2021, compared to the previous year. It increased its income by 11% to 263 million and 246 thousand dollars. According to Mehmet Işık, it is not difficult to predict that the target of 70 thousand tons will be increased to even higher figures.

Aegean Exporters' Associations increased their exports by 7% in August. The value of exports increased from 1 billion 446 million dollars to 1 billion 548 million dollars. In addition,  exports in Turkey increased by 13%. The total export amount in August increased from 18.8 billion dollars to 21.3 billion dollars. 

The EIB increased its exports by 18% in the remaining two-thirds period of 2022. Foreign exchange inflow reached 12 billion 195 million dollars from 10 billion 331 million dollars. EIB obtained foreign exchange of 18 billion 169 million dollars from the exports made in the last one-year period. Also, Turkey reached its end of 2022 export target at the end of August. The total export amount realized in Turkey until August 2022 was 250.8 billion dollars.

High Rate of Exports from Various Sectors

EIB increased its export rate of industrial products by 2%. The export amount of industrial products increased from 869 million dollars to 883 million dollars. Also, there was a significant increase in agricultural products. About a 17% increase was observed in the exports of agricultural products. With this increase, the export amount reached 554 million dollars from 474 million dollars. In the mining sector, a 7% improvement was realized and the exports reached 110 million dollars from 103 million dollars.

There are 12 exporters' associations within the EIB. Nine of them increased their exports compared to the same period last year.

The Sector with the Most Exports Was the Chemical 

The chemical industry is a sector that does not have a union under the roof of the EIB. However, the chemical industry exported 229 million dollars in August. With this significant amount, the sector that exported the most was the chemical sector.

The Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals Exporters' Association, which continues its activities under the EIB, exported 205 million dollars. With this export rate, it became the sector that exports the most from the association under the roof of the EIB.

Aegean Fisheries and Animal Products Exporters' Association exceeded the export threshold of 1.5 million dollars in July. In August, it was a great success, increasing its export by 25% and bringing in 142 million dollars of foreign currency to Turkey.

Tobacco Industry Export Record Breaking

Aegean Tobacco Exporters' Association is the only tobacco exporters' association in Turkey. ETİB exported 81 million dollars worth of tobacco and tobacco products in August. The association achieved a 41% increase in exports. In this way, it became the association that increased its export rate the most among the association under the roof of the EIB.

Aegean Furniture Paper and Forest Products Exporters' Association realized an export of 61 million dollars in August 2021. In the same month of 2022,  the export rate increased by 16% and reached 71 million dollars. Aegean Dried Fruits and Products Exporters' Association realized exports worth 58 million dollars in August. 

Moreover, Aegean Textile and Raw Materials Exporters' Association exported 21 million 181 thousand dollars. Aegean Olive and Olive Oil Exporters' Association increased its exports by 15% and increased its exports to 19 million 885 thousand dollars. Finally, Aegean Leather and Leather Products Exporters' Association generated an income of 17 million 228 thousand dollars.

Significant Successes Have Been Achieved in Many Sectors 

Aegean Mineral Exporters' Association increased its exports by 7%. The export rate reached 110 million dollars from 103 million dollars. Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters' Association realized exports worth 99.4 million dollars.

Aegean Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds, and Products Exporters' Association shows a  consistent and successful performance every month. Besides, Its annual exports are approaching 1 billion dollars. In August, an increase of 31% was observed in the export rate of the association. Therefore, the export amount reached 81 million dollars from 62 million dollars. Finally, the association realized exports of 951 million dollars in the last one year.

Aegean Exporters' Unions Coordinator President Jak Eskinazi Made a Statement

Aegean Exporters' Unions Coordinator President Jak Eskinazi stated that Turkey's foreign exchange needs are preventing exporters. One of the biggest export markets of EIB is the European Union. There were recession expectations in the EU in 2022. However, EIB realized exports worth 1 billion 548 million dollars in August 2022. Eskinazi statement that these figures and exports are the success of Aegean Exporters.

Eskinazi said, "As Aegean Exporters' Associations, we reached the export target of 18 billion dollars that we set for the end of 2022 in July. We also reached the 250 billion dollars export target that we set for the end of 2022 for Turkey at the end of August. "