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Regarding the Istanbul Chemicals and Products Exporters' Association released a statement about export figures. According to figures released by the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM), Turkey's exports are expanding gradually. August saw a 13.1% rise in total exports over the same month last year, at 21.3 billion dollars.

The sector that exported the most in August was chemistry. It is among the data that the chemistry sector receives a share of 13.8% of the country's exports. In addition, the export sales of the sector reached $2.95 billion in August with an increase of 44% compared to the previous year.

For the sixth month in a row in August, the chemical industry led in exports. With exports of $22.6 billion over the first eight months, the sector expanded by 42%.

What is the Importance of the Chemical Industry for Countries?

One of the most significant industrial sectors in every nation is chemistry. Chemical raw materials are employed in a wide range of products, from plastic to cleaning supplies to cosmetics. Its manufacturing is prioritized in industrialized countries.

Because of this, both in terms of output and exports, the perception of the chemical sector as a whole keeps improving. The growth in imports is crucial, in addition to the expansion of production and exports. The new product variety is shown by browsing various chemical products. The chemical industry advances in this manner. Each new production network created by national interests is a step toward advancement. In addition to fostering greater international engagement, the export and import market fosters innovation because it offers a variety of products.

For this reason, all kinds of chemicals and products are needed to shape the future of countries through export and import. Because there is diversity in terms of industry.

"The contribution of net exports to growth is 2.7 in this period."

Istanbul Chemicals and Products Exporters' Association explained the importance of the chemical industry with data. In the statement, Adil Pelister, Chairman of the Istanbul Chemicals and Products Exporters' Association, said:

"After the first quarter, our nation's growth accelerated to 7.6% in the second. Net exports during this period contributed 2.7 points to growth. Our chemical industry, which leads in exports, is one of the industries that has contributed most to growth."

Pelister emphasized that the industry exported 2.95 billion dollars in August and added that their initial objective of 28 billion dollars for the year had been changed to 30 billion dollars. According to him, if these export results keep up, they will surpass this amount. On the other side, he also discussed how energy prices, supply constraints, commodity prices, and exchange rate fluctuations affect exports.

He especially highlighted the financial and supply problems. He also stated that the energy and economy to be experienced in the European Union, where the most exports are made, posed a risk for Turkey. Pelister underlined that it posed a risk for the export sector, especially in the last quarter and the first quarter of the following year. And he added:

“Therefore, it is of great importance that investments in our chemical industry, which will provide high added value, are implemented quickly and that our companies scale up.”

If the value given to companies is increased and investments are given priority in this area, it seems that the effects of risks that may occur in exports will be felt less.

Italy is the Country to Which Turkey Exports the Most in August!

Italy was the country to which Turkey exported the most in August. In August, the highest increase among the top 10 countries was South Africa with 1,284%. Chemical exports to Italy increased by 195.11% in August compared to the same period of the previous year. And it reached 201 million 23 thousand dollars.

"Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products" ranks first in the product group most exported to Italy in August. This is followed by "plastics and their products", and "fertilizers". "Organic chemicals" are in fourth place and "inorganic chemicals" are in fifth place, respectively.

In the January-August period of 2022, the Netherlands ranks first in the list of countries to which chemicals are exported the most. Italy, the USA, Romania, South Africa, Germany, Lebanon, Spain, Iraq, and Russia follow the Netherlands.

The Most Exported Product Group in August is Plastics and its Products.

In August, exports of plastics and their products took first place in the chemical substances and products product groups with 870 million and 581 thousand dollars. Mineral fuels and products take second place with an export of 819 million, 769 thousand dollars. In addition, inorganic chemical exports are in third place with 308 million 714,000 dollars.

Other sectors in the top ten are explained as "essential oils, cosmetics and soap", "paint, varnish, ink, and their preparations". In addition, the ranking includes "fertilizers", "rubber, rubber goods", "pharmaceutical products", "various chemicals" and "organic chemicals".

Turkey continues to break records in terms of exports. In August, the Southeast region achieved massive success with 2 thousand 508 exporters. In August, exports amounted to 1 billion 86 million 570 thousand dollars in the region. Turkey's overall exports in August surpassed 21.3 billion dollars.

Southeastern Anatolia Exporters' Association (GAİB) announced the regional export figures for August. When compared to August of the previous year, the Southeastern Anatolia Region augmented its exports. Exports increased by 5.8 percent and reached 1 billion 86 million 570 thousand dollars. Gaziantep, one of the most popular and developed cities in the Southeast region, has seen an increase of 6.4 percent in exports. It reached 917 million 865 thousand dollars.

Gaziantep Comes to the Fore

The export figures for August were evaluated by Ahmet Fikret Kileci, Coordinator President of Southeastern Anatolia Exporters' Associations. According to Kileci, the regions of Gaziantep and also Southeastern Anatolia had the highest number of exporters in August. He noted that Gaziantep was the 5th province in Turkey with the greatest export volume in August. Kileci applauded exporters for continuing to produce and export despite the negative effects of the Russia-Ukraine war. "I congratulate each and every employee who contributes to the economy of the region and the country with their export performance and participation from a to z in the export process that defies all difficulties." Kileci also stated.

According to the information provided by Fikret Kileci, the Southeastern Anatolia region realized 2,508 exports during the month of August. Furthermore, the number of companies exporting from Gaziantep has been estimated to be 1,764. In August 2022, it is noted that 119 Turkish companies exported for the first time. Kileci used the terms, "It is a wonderful delight for many companies in our region, notably Gaziantep, to move forward into export."

Most Exports were Made to the Middle East and European Union countries

The coordinator President announced the region's top export product groups. Machine-made carpets, pastry items, yarns, fabrics, milling products, plastics, related products, and vegetable oils are all included on the list. In addition, many other countries and corporations imported additional food products, iron and steel items, and wood and forest products.

Kileci reported that exports were made to a total of 192 countries between January and August of 2022. The list of Southeastern Anatolia Region exporting countries has been published. A huge number of countries are mentioned in the list. Middle Eastern countries take the leading rank with a share of 40.5 percent. The European Union is in second place with a share of 16.9% and African countries are in third place with a share of 15.4%.

According to Kileci, Iraq, the USA, Syria, England, Italy, Germany, Iran, Israel, Libya, and Djibouti are also importing countries. In the whole month of August, exports were made to 170 countries in accordance with their demands. “In order to improve these statics, even more, we take care to establish contacts with different countries and expand our market. As the most important and concrete step taken in this regard, the analysis of the Far Countries Strategy within the body of the Ministry of Commerce was launched’’ Kileci stated.

Gaziantep Showed Success in the Ratio of Imports to Exports

Gaziantep grew into one of Turkey's top exporting provinces in 2022, with exports totaling $6.8B in the January-August period of 2022. Kileci noted that the ratio of exports to imports has been a massive achievement. Gaziantep proved its success once again when compared to the other cities of Turkey, with a level of 122.8 percent. In addition, he stated that the sectors to which the most exports were made are textiles and raw materials. They were followed by cereals-pulses, oilseeds and products, carpets, chemicals, wood, and forest products.

Fikret Kileci also presented the export figures of other provinces that entered the field of activity of GAİB in August 2022. According to the data given by Kileci, Kahramanmaraş took place in the top 3 by importing 124.4 million dollars.  Mardin with 98.3 million dollars and Malatya with 34.2 million dollars were also in the top 3. In the rest of the list, Diyarbakir took place with 27.9 million dollars. Şanlıurfa followed with 22.4 million dollars and Kilis with 8,2 million dollars. Lastly, Adıyaman exceeded 9.2 million dollars in exports.

The Southeastern Anatolia Region, which is one of the developing regions of Turkey, maintains its success with the production of numerous items. In addition to ranking 5th region in terms of exports in Turkey, the percentage improvement compared to previous years is notable. According to the statistics given by Fikret Kileci and Southeastern Anatolia Exporters' Association, Gaziantep is getting closer to completing its 2022 targets day by day.

Turkey's Black Sea coast is extensively covered with hazelnut orchards. Hazelnut orchards are within a 30 km radius of the coast. It starts from Zonguldak in the Western Black Sea and extends eastward along the whole Black Sea.

In Turkey's hazelnut processing business, there are enterprises that can meet foreign market demands in all aspects. Every stage of hazelnut production is regulated by physical, chemical, and microbiological tests and advanced technologies. In addition to these tests, products are wrapped entirely untouched by these developed enterprises. With expanding research and development studies, especially in recent years, existing product varieties are increasing. Also, their shelf life is extended by being packaged with developing packaging sector products.

Turkey is the World’s Leading Hazelnut Exporter

Turkey is currently the world's leading exporter of hazelnuts. 90% of hazelnut exports up until the 1980s were made up of shelled and kernelized nuts. Today there are over 28 different types of processed hazelnut products that are delivered around the world. The exports are currently increasing day by day. Up until a few years ago, processed hazelnut products accounted for 27% of total hazelnut exports. However, recently, this percentage has risen to 40%. The vast majority of the remaining hazelnuts are exported as hazelnut kernels.

With a share of around 75% of Turkey's hazelnut export, European Union nations (Germany, Italy, France, etc), where the major chocolate manufacturing companies are headquartered, receive the highest imports. When hazelnut exports are divided by country, Turkey exports hazelnuts to over 120 different countries. The Far East and Scandinavian countries stand out as potential markets for hazelnuts.

About 2 Billion Dollars of Hazelnut Exports were Made from Turkey

A written statement was made by the Black Sea Hazelnut and Products Exporters' Association on hazelnut exports. This statement provided information on the quantity and income of hazelnut exports for the 2021-2022 season, which began on September 1, 2021, and ended on August 31, 2022. Turkey exported 340 thousand 147 tons of hazelnuts in a 12-month period. It was recorded that 1 billion 986 million 44 thousand 569 dollars income was obtained from this export.

Germany ranked first in the list of countries that import the most hazelnuts. Italy and France were also in the top 3 in hazelnut imports. Unlike the same period the last year, hazelnuts were also delivered to Venezuela, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, and Mauritania. It was revealed that 60% of the exported hazelnuts were natural hazelnut kernels, with the remaining 40% being processed hazelnut products.

Hazelnut Purchase Prices Announced by Şemsi Bayraktar

The chairman of the Union of Chambers of Agriculture of Turkey (TZOB), Şemsi Bayraktar, examined the most recent changes in the hazelnut market. According to Bayraktar, Turkey is the top producer of hazelnuts in the world, accounting for 62% of production and 61% of exports. He also recalled that 684 thousand tons of hazelnuts were harvested in the country in 2021.

According to reports, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry expects its 2022 hazelnut crop to total 765 thousand 287 tons, with an increase of 12 percent. Bayraktar stated, "The Turkish Grain Board announced the shelled hazelnut purchasing prices for the 2022/2023 season. Prices for Giresun quality were determined to be 53 Turkish Liras per kilogram, 52 Turkish Liras per kilogram for Levant quality, and 51 Turkish Liras per kilogram for Sivri quality."

Bayraktar demanded that the number of purchasing centers should be increased and that the payments should be made in advance. According to Bayraktar's statements, the issue of protecting the value of hazelnut was on the agenda. It was also mentioned that the ministries should provide new support models to manufacturers in order to increase efficiency and quality.

Furthermore, Turkey is advancing rapidly to reach its targets in hazelnut export numbers. The export of specially processed hazelnut kernels grows every year as a result of the careful and effective quality control procedures used at every stage of production to meet the expectations of the customers. As a result of developing technologies, hazelnuts, which have boosted their quality and extended their shelf life, are now delivered throughout the world. 

Turkey is gradually taking its success in being an agricultural country forward. It also proves its success in tropical fruit production, which is gaining importance, especially in the world market. In this way, the number of countries importing tropical fruits from Turkey is also increasing.

Tropical fruit exports from Turkey reached 7 million 857 thousand dollars in the first half of 2022. Hayrettin Uçak, president of the Aegean Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Exporters' Association, draws attention to the fact that Turkey's added value chain expands each. He said that the graph showing exports of tropical fruits had risen significantly in recent years.

Uçak said tropical fruit exports increased 225 percent in the period from 2018 to 2021. He also added:

"While our tropical fruit exports in Turkey were 4 million dollars in 2018, 5 million dollars in 2019, 6 million dollars in 2020, we increased our exports to 13 million dollars in 2021 with an 85% jump."

Turkey Breaks Records in Tropical Fruit Production

Turkey, which is on a great scale in terms of both diversity and yield, continues to break records in tropical fruit production. Product diversity is increasing thanks to breeding studies and new technologies in agriculture. Both the fertility of the soil and the suitability of the climatic conditions allow the production of different products.

In private greenhouses, many tropical fruits are grown in the Mediterranean region, including mango, lychee, and dragon fruit. Fruit grown with special attention to each stage of irrigation, cultivation, and fertilization creates resound for the rest of the world.

Although avocado was the first tropical fruit produced in Turkey, other fruits are increasingly being added to this category. The production of tropical fruits, which began in Turkey in 1934, is progressively expanding. 42 different types of tropical fruits were being cultivated as of 2022, according to records.

Tropical fruits specially produced in Turkey are produced especially in Alanya and Antalya. Kiwi production is widespread in the Black Sea and Marmara Regions. The cultivation of kiwi is a fruit that is generally known by producers in Turkey. However, tropical fruits such as lychee and dragon fruit are products that have only recently become widespread in our country.

Developments Continue to Cultivate More Tropical Fruits

150 types of 42 different products that we mentioned before continue to be produced in special greenhouses. Turkey is described as a treasure with its climate, water, and soil. For this reason, the officials of the institute, who are devoted to the cultivation of tropical products, state that they continue to work to develop this product range.

The current name of the institute, which was founded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk at the time, is the West Mediterranean Agricultural Research Institute. This institute is making progress every day, especially in tropical fruit production. Their biggest goal is to raise farmers who can produce tropical fruits all over Turkey. They are also preparing to give seminars while the studies in this field continue.

According to the institute's statement, one variety from passiflora, one from longan, one from pitaya, one from mango, and two from lychee have been registered. In this way, new species registered in the world were introduced to Turkish agriculture.

Turkey's Tropical Fruit Export by Product

Kiwi and avocado were Turkey's first fruits in this manner. Agriculture continued to advance gradually, adding fruits like dragon fruit and passion fruit. Additionally, the tropical fruit framework was enlarged and new products like carambola, papaya, mango, pineapple, coconut, and blueberries were introduced to the product lineup.

While Turkey's kiwi export was realized as 5 million 454 thousand dollars, the export of mango increased from 144 thousand dollars to 1 million 126 thousand dollars. In addition, blueberry exports increased from 524 thousand dollars to 761 thousand dollars.

While Turkey exported tropical fruits to about 60 countries in 2020, it exported them to 83 countries and regions in 2021. According to the reports, Uçak predicts that tropical fruit exports will increase to 20 million dollars by the end of 2022.

Agricultural institutes in Turkey ensure the supply of quality products by keeping the genetic coding under appropriate conditions in tropical fruit production. In this way, the demand for Turkey's tropical fruits from many parts of the world is also increasing.

Which Countries Import Tropical Fruits From Turkey?

Turkey realized 1 million 467 thousand dollars of tropical fruit exports to Russia. Exports to Romania amounted to 920,000 dollars with an increase of 10 percent. Uçak continued:

“Our exports to the United Kingdom reached $981,000 in the six months of 2022, from $119,000 compared to last year.”

Thus, the United Kingdom became the third country to which it exports the most in the first half of 2022.

Exports to Germany increased from 447 thousand dollars to 621 thousand dollars with an increase of 38 percent. Spain also ranks first in Turkey's tropical fruit export with 553 thousand dollars.

In the first six months of 2022, 165 million 97 thousand dollars of dried fruit exports were realized from the Southeastern Anatolia region. The highest dried fruit export was to Germany with 27 million 586 thousand dollars.

Mehmet Çıkmaz, President of the Southeast Anatolian Dried Fruits and Products Exporters' Association, made statements about the exports. He talked about the process that took place in the first six months of 2022. President Çıkmaz stated that in the first six months of 2022, the export amount of dried fruit in Turkey was 755 million 800 thousand dollars. On the other hand, about 165 million 97 thousand dollars of this export amount was realized from the Southeastern Anatolia Region.

Moreover, the dried fruit and products sector exported products to 149 countries and free zones in the January-June 2022 period. A total of 755 million 880 thousand dollars foreign exchange was obtained from this export.

Worldwide Demand for Dried Fruit Increases

President Çıkmaz announced that the most exported product of the dried fruit sector from Turkey was seedless grapes with 208 million 297 thousand dollars. The most exported product from the Southeastern Anatolia Region was pistachio with 72 million 549 thousand dollars. Finally, pistachio was followed by dried apricots with 61 million 226 thousand dollars.

Furthermore, in the first six months of 2022, the following products were exported from the Southeastern Anatolia region. Firstly, the most exported products are pistachios and dried apricots. In addition to these products, fruit varieties, dried figs and currant seeds, roasted chickpeas, walnuts, seedless raisins, almonds, and prunes were exported.

In the first half of 2022, Aegean Exporters' Associations took first place in the export of dried fruit products. Exports from the Aegean Exporters' Association amounted to 393 million 657 thousand dollars during this period. Moreover, Southeastern Anatolian Exporters' Associations ranked second and the Association realized an export amount of 165 million 97 thousand dollars.

Germany Ranks First in Dried Fruit Export

"In the first six months of 2022, dried fruit exports of 71 million 359 thousand dollars were carried out to European Union member countries. Among the EU member states, Germany was the country with the highest amount of exports with 27 million 586 thousand dollars. Another EU member Italy follows Germany with 23 million 211 thousand dollars. Then, the USA with 15 million 593 thousand dollars. " said Çakmak.

Favorite Products with the Most Exports

Moreover, president Çıkmaz made a statement that the exports in the dried fruit sector were increasing day by day. And also this sector has a very important contribution to the Turkish economy.

“We process dried fruits and products grown in Anatolia and send them all over the world. Grapes, apricots, and pistachios in the dried fruit category are our most demanded products. By preparing and selling these fruits, we contributed 755 million 880 thousand dollars to the Turkish economy in the first half of the year, and this makes us happy. Despite the problems experienced in the world economy, our sector exports continue to be well and successful. I believe that we will achieve results that exceed our 2022 targets by the end of the year." said Çıkmaz.

Pistachio

Pistachio is one of the most consumed and exported nuts worldwide. The production of pistachio especially takes place in Gaziantep. In fact, Gaziantep is famous around the world for its pistachio and baklava made from pistachios. 

According to the data of the Southeastern Anatolia Exporters' Association, 209 million 686 thousand dollars of pistachios were exported to 110 countries in 2021. In the first six months of 2022, 12 thousand 258 tons of pistachios with a value of 111 million 456 thousand dollars were exported to 91 countries. Furthermore, the countries where pistachios are exported the most are Germany, Kyrgyzstan, and Iraq, respectively.

Dried Apricots 

Dried apricot is a product with a geographical indication by the EU and has an important commercial input for Turkey. In the first six months of 2022, dried apricots were exported to 115 countries from Malatya, Turkey. These countries include the USA, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Russia, and Canada. Dried apricots were exported 32 thousand 662 tons in the January-June period of 2022. The foreign exchange input obtained from this export was 167 million and 704 thousand dollars.

Dried Figs

Turkey ranks first in the world in the production and export of dried figs. Fig is one of the oldest fruits of Anatolia. In Turkey, figs are generally grown in the Mediterranean region and all the coastline. About 80% of dried fig production takes place in the Aegean Region.

Moreover, Turkey provides 66.5% of dried fig exports in the world. Dried figs constitute one of the important items of Turkey's foreign trade. In addition, dried figs are very rich in nutritional value and are very beneficial to health. Also, in the 2021-2022 season, an income of 241 million dollars was obtained from dried fig exports.

The Ministry of Commerce released trade data for August. Turkey's exports rose 13.2 percent in August over the same month the year before, according to the General Trade System. Exports totaled 21 billion 341 million dollars as a result. The highest August export data ever was this amount, according to records. 

The Ministry of Commerce has released its data bulletin, which includes figures on temporary foreign commerce for the month of August. Trade Minister Mehmet Muş presented the foreign trade figures for August at the Southeast Anatolian Exporters Union Meeting Hall. Foreign trade volume was recorded as an increase of 28.4 percent. And it reached 53 billion 959 million dollars. The foreign trade deficit increased by 161.8 percent and reached 11 billion 277 million dollars in the data bulletin.

The ratio of exports to imports was 65.4 percent. Excluding energy data, the ratio of exports to imports decreased by 13.9 points. Therefore, it decreased to 82.7 percent.

Turkey's Export Countries in August

Germany ranked first in the list of the countries with the highest imports from Turkey in August, with an increase of 13% reaching $1.6B. With 1 billion 480 million dollars, the USA ranks second with an increase of 13 percent. In addition, with an increase of 34.2 percent, Iraq was recorded as the third with 1 billion 258 million dollars. The share of the first 10 countries with the largest share in Turkey's total exports was 47.4 percent.

In the said period, the highest exports were made to the European Union with 7 billion 988 million dollars. The Near and Middle East countries followed with 4 billion 82 million dollars. Moreover, other European countries with $3 billion 314 million were the country groups that Turkey exported the most.

The "raw material (intermediate products)" group, which saw a gain of 15.5 percent and generated 11 billion 583 million dollars, was classified as having the largest export. "Consumption goods" came next, increasing by 10.7% and totaling $7 billion 361 million. The last group to rank first among export values is "investment (capital) goods," which saw a growth of 3.8 percent and reached 2 billion 203 million dollars.

In terms of sectors, the share of the manufacturing industry in August exports was agriculture with 95 percent. In addition, forestry and fisheries had a share of 2.5 percent, while the share of mining and quarrying was 2 percent.

President of Turkish Exporters Assembly Evaluated August Data

Team Chairman Gültepe evaluated the year 2022, including August data, at the meeting held in Gaziantep. He stated that the number of countries Turkey exports to increased from 218 to 220 in August. He emphasized that besides European countries, significant export increases were recorded. Exports to the United Arab Emirates increased by 70%. On the other hand, exports to Lebanon increased by 130% and exports to South Africa increased by 214 percent.

Apart from the country analysis, he also touched on the progress in export figures. He said that the success in exports in July and August was proof that the Turkish economy would continue to grow. And he added:

"As of August, we have reached our export target for 2022 on an annualized basis. Thus, we will close the year 2022, which was quite turbulent due to the war, with a significant growth figure, by maintaining the successes on the export side."

Gültepe stated that access to finance stands out as the most basic need for the continuation of the acceleration in exports. "Because, as our exports increase, so do our investments, our need for raw materials, and our employment. All these generate new funding needs."

Drawing attention to the importance of finance and digitalization, Gültepe also included the concept of sustainability in his words:

"Only with solid financing will we be able to assess the opportunities in global trade that emerge during such times. I extend my sincere congratulations to every member of our export family, whose investments, production, employment, and exports have boosted the Turkish economy. We must take steps in the fields of Sustainability and Digitalization to carry the gains we have achieved in exports to the future."