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Turkish tea has made a significant impact on the global market, achieving remarkable success with a 30% increase in tea exports during the January-July period compared to the previous year. Belgium, the United States, and the United Kingdom played a significant role in this achievement.
During the January–July period, 3,576 tons of tea were exported, resulting in a revenue of $17,182,055. It's worth noting that in the same period of the previous year, tea exports brought in $13,170,966. These figures indicate the rapid growth of Turkish tea in the global market.
Belgium stands out as one of the top countries for tea exports, with $6,926,004 worth of tea imported during this period. The United States and the United Kingdom also show great interest in Turkish tea, importing $2,210,244 and $1,930,622 worth of tea, respectively.
In addition to the increase in tea exports, there has also been a diversification of the countries receiving Turkish tea. During this period, Turkish tea was exported to 109 different countries, including Saudi Arabia, Algeria, the Congo, Slovakia, Mexico, Italy, Brazil, Poland, Gabon, New Zealand, Portugal, Angola, Togo, and Rwanda.
The growing demand for Turkish tea on a global scale is a testament to its quality and flavor. Turkish agriculture continues to demonstrate its competitiveness on the international stage, and Turkish tea's reputation for excellence continues to spread worldwide. With a rich tradition that spans from the past to the future, Turkish tea remains a staple on dining tables around the world. As we look ahead, it's clear that Turkish tea's journey on the global market is on an upward trajectory, and exporters are optimistic that this trend will continue in the coming years, solidifying Turkey's position as a major player in the global tea industry.
Turkiye's export sector has recently achieved a remarkable milestone, with the daily export value reaching a historic record of $2.121 billion on June 23, 2023. This significant accomplishment signifies Turkiye's economic strength and resilience in the face of global challenges.
Trade Minister of Turkiye proudly announced the achievement through his Twitter account, highlighting that Turkiye surpassed the $2 billion daily export threshold. The export value of $2.121 billion not only sets a new benchmark but also surpasses the annual export of 1977 ($1.753 billion) and the monthly export of August 1999 ($1.940 billion). Despite the prevailing weak trends in the global economy and trade, this historic daily export value demonstrates the dynamism and resilience of Turkiye's exporters.
Turkiye's export success comes at a time when global economic indicators, such as the June 2023 Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), reflect a decline in economic activity. The PMI for the Eurozone dropped to 43.6, and Germany, Turkiye's largest trading partner, witnessed its lowest level in 37 months with a PMI of 41. Despite these challenges, Turkiye's exporters have showcased their strength and adaptability, defying the odds and positioning Turkiye as a reliable and competitive player in the international market.
Looking ahead, Trade Minister emphasizes the importance of prioritizing sustainable export growth with high added value while reducing import needs. This strategy aims to create a healthy growth environment and mitigate external pressures that could potentially affect macroeconomic stability. Establishing macroeconomic stability will also pave the way for a favorable investment climate, allowing for strong collaboration between investment, high-value production, and export chains.
Turkiye's remarkable achievement in breaking the daily export record with a value of $2.121 billion demonstrates its resilience, determination, and competitiveness in the global trade arena. As Turkiye continues to prioritize sustainable export growth, reduce import dependence, and maintain macroeconomic stability, its exporters are well-positioned to contribute to the country's economic growth and further strengthen Turkiye's position as a significant player in international trade.
To stay updated on Turkiye's export achievements and explore the wide range of Turkish goods, visit www.turkishgoods.com.
Despite the economic disruptions caused by the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş affecting 11 provinces, the agricultural sector continues to break records in exports. In Türkiye, the agricultural sector has reached an all-time high in January-February exports, with $5.434 billion. Agricultural exports increased by 2.7% compared to the same period in 2022 in the first two months of the year. In addition, agricultural exports accounted for 16.2% of Türkiye's total foreign sales.
Export Record in 5 out of 10 Sectors Operating in Agricultural
In the first two months of 2023, exports worth $1.820 billion were realized in the group of cereals, legumes, oilseeds, and their products. The sectors that made exports of $634.488 million for fresh fruits and vegetables and $201.220 million for olives and olive oil were also among the record exporters. In addition, ornamental plants and their products realized exports worth $30.146 million, and furniture, paper, and forest products realized exports worth $1.204 billion. All of these sectors achieved the highest January-February exports of all time with their export performances.
In January-February 2023, cereals, legumes, oilseeds, and their products increased by 3% compared to the same period last year, while fresh fruits and vegetables increased by 17.9%. There was a significant increase in olive and olive oil by 140.2%, and ornamental plants and their products by 7.2% compared to the same period last year. Finally, there was a 2.1% increase in furniture, paper, and forest products exports.
Top Importing Countries from Türkiye in Agricultural Sector
When the exports of the record-breaking sectors are examined by country, cereals, legumes, oilseeds, and their products were exported to Iraq for $296.749 million in the first 2 months. Additionally, Iraq imported $129.180 million worth of furniture, paper, and forest products. The fresh fruits and vegetables sector exported $173.401 million worth of products to the Russian Federation. In the olive and olive oil sector, $67.417 million worth of exports were made to Spain among European countries. Finally, the Netherlands imported ornamental plants and products worth $8,182 million.
Top Exporting Cities in Türkiye
When analyzed by cities, Istanbul carried out export of 562 million 714 thousand dollars worth of cereals, pulses, oily seeds, and their products. In addition, a total of 40 million 455 thousand dollars of furniture, paper, and forest products were exported from Istanbul.
Mersin, with a Mediterranean climate, realized an export of 167 million 872 thousand dollars in fresh fruits and vegetables. Izmir, which is the largest producer and exporter of olives and olive oil in Türkiye, exported goods worth 93 million 372 thousand dollars. Lastly, Antalya made an export of 13 million 666 thousand dollars in ornamental plants and products.
Agricultural Exports of 3 Provinces Affected by the Earthquake Increased
The earthquake centered in Kahramanmaras affected the economic activities of 11 provinces; however, an increase in agricultural exports was observed in 3 provinces affected by the earthquake. The foreign sales of companies operating in the agricultural sector in Adana, Adıyaman, and Kahramanmaras increased in the first two months of 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. Accordingly, agricultural exports reached 153 million 620 thousand dollars with a 10.4% increase in Adana and 2 million 506 thousand dollars with a 25.5% increase in Adıyaman. Finally, in the earthquake epicenter Kahramanmaras, agricultural exports reached 13 million 716 thousand dollars with a 4.8% increase compared to the same period last year.
Türkiye's Agricultural Exports: A Vital Economic and Trade Contribution
Türkiye's agricultural exports have played a significant role in the country's economy for many years. With fertile land and a variety of climates, Türkiye is home to a wide range of agricultural products, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and livestock. These products are not only important for the country's economy but also for its social and cultural identity.
In recent years, Türkiye’s agricultural exports have experienced impressive growth, contributing significantly to the country's overall export revenue. One of the main reasons for Türkiye's success in agricultural exports is its commitment to producing high-quality products.
Another significant factor in Turkey's agricultural exports is its ability to adapt to changing market conditions. Turkish producers are always looking for new markets and opportunities, and they have demonstrated a willingness to adapt to the specific needs and requirements of these markets.
Finally, Turkey's agricultural exports have played an important role in the country's economy and global trade. The country's commitment to producing high-quality products, its strategic location, and its ability to adapt to changing market conditions have all contributed to its success.
According to the announcement by the Turkish Minister of Trade, Mehmet Muş, Türkiye’s export performance reached an all-time high in March 2023. The country's export figures rose by 4.4% to $23.6 billion, setting a new record for monthly exports. This remarkable increase has been attributed to the steady recovery of the global economy, which positively affected Turkish exports.
Minister Muş underlined that the upward trend in Turkish exports is expected to continue in the upcoming months as the production and export sectors gradually overcome the effects of recent earthquakes. In addition to the export figures, March import numbers also showed a slight increase of 4.2% to $32.2 billion, while the total energy import reached $6 billion.
Despite the global economic uncertainties, Türkiye’s export volume for the first quarter of 2023 rose by 2.5% to $61.6 billion.
Türkiye has a diversified economy, and its manufacturing, textiles, and automotive industries have been major contributors to the country's export success. The Ministry of Trade has been implementing policies to support these industries, such as export credits, incentives for technology investment, and customized export strategies.
With this new all-time high export record, Türkiye has demonstrated its capability to compete in the global market, and its export sector's resilience to global economic challenges.
According to the information provided by the Southeastern Anatolia Exporters' Association, tomato exports from Türkiye surged in 2022. Tomato exports increased by approximately 4% compared to 2021, reaching $377 million 418 thousand. In 2022, Türkiye exported 526,703 tonnes of tomatoes to 54 countries. These countries include Romania, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Germany, England, Czechia, Switzerland, Spain, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Russia, Poland, and Malaysia. The Southeastern Anatolia Exporters' Association increased the export value by approximately 4% compared to last year by providing a foreign currency inflow of 377 million 418 thousand dollars from tomatoes in 2022.
Romania Rank First in Tomato Exports
Romania is one of the countries to which Türkiye exports the most tomatoes. In 2022, 65 million 228 thousand dollars worth of tomatoes were exported from Türkiye to Romania. In addition, Ukraine ranks second in tomato exports, and tomatoes worth 45 million 320 thousand dollars were exported from Türkiye to Ukraine. Finally, Bulgaria, which ranks third, imported tomatoes worth 38 million 113 thousand dollars from Türkiye.
Tomato Exports to Balkan Countries Increased
Müslüm Yanmaz, President of the Greenhouse Investors and Producers Association, announced that the increase in tomato exports compared to the previous year is pleasing.
Yanmaz added the following to his words, "In the past years, exports to the Russian Federation were by far ahead and while exports to Russia were close to 200 million dollars every year, a decline in export values was observed in 2022. However, the increase in exports and exports to Balkan countries compensated for the decrease in Russia."
Considerable Increase in Tomato Exports to European Countries
President Müslüm Yanmaz made substantial statements about tomato exports to European countries. In Yanmaz's evaluations, he stated that cluster tomato is a great-demand product in the European market. In addition, he announced that the target set for tomato exports in 2023 is 500 million dollars.
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Turkey is the leading country in the production of fresh figs. The target for fresh fig exports this season is 100 million dollars.
Hayrettin Uçak, chairman of the Aegean Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Exporters' Association made a written statement about the fig export. Uçak stated that they have an export target of 100 million dollars in fresh figs in 2022. Uçak also announced the export dates. Exports of Sari Lop figs started on July 26, and Black Bursa figs on July 28.
Export to 40 Countries in 2021
The 2021 export figures of Sari Lop and Bursa Black figs were quite high. In 2021, Turkey exported Bursa Black figs to 40 countries. The country that imported the most Bursa Black figs from Turkey was Germany. Germany imported 27 million dollars' worth of Bursa Black figs from Turkey. Russia ranks first in the import of Sari Lop. In 2021, Russia imported 3.1 million worth of Sari Lops from Turkey.
In Bursa Black fig exports, Netherlands and England followed Germany. While the Netherlands imported 5.8 million dollars, the UK imported 5.1 million dollars. On the other hand, Germany and the Netherlands followed Russia in Sari Lop exports. Germany imported 2.3 million dollars' worth of Sari Lop. Besides, the Netherlands imported 866 thousand dollars' worth of Sari Lop. As a result, the number of countries to which Turkey exports Sari Lop has reached 39.
The harvest date for Sari Lop figs was July 25. Thus, Sari Lop exports started on July 26. As for Bursa Black Fig, since the harvest date is July 27, the export started on July 28.
Turkey earned $70 million from fresh fig exports in 2021. Hayrettin Uçak evaluated Turkey's fresh fig exports in 2021. "The biggest portion of 60 million dollars of our fresh fig exports came from Bursa Black figs. The export of Sari Lop figs was 10 million dollars. Thus, our fresh fig exports increased by 17 percent in 2021 compared to the previous year. In 2022, our export target for fresh figs is 100 million dollars,” said Uçak.
Export to 114 Countries in Dried Figs
Turkey has shown great success not only in fresh figs but also in dried fig exports. Turkey has a 60% share in global dried fig exports. In 2021, Turkey exported dried figs to 114 countries. The fig yield was 85 thousand tons in 2021 across the country. Turkish exporters exported 85% of this harvest. Hence, Turkish exporters earned 241 million 857 thousand dollars from dried figs in 2021.
Fresh Fig and Dried Fig Consumption Recommendations
Figs are very beneficial for your health. Consuming figs correctly at the right time helps to protect health. Moreover, the consumption of figs helps prevent some diseases. Figs support heart health. They also regulate blood sugar. Moreover, many people consume figs for weight control. The chairman of the board, Uçak, stated that people should consume fresh figs in their own season. After the fig season has passed, it is more beneficial to consume dried figs.
Import Top Quality Figs with Turkish Goods
Turkish Goods will meet all your import needs with its wide product range. Turkish Goods is the right choice to achieve the best quality and deliciousness. Thanks to our cold chain system, fresh figs will reach you in the best possible way. Turkish Goods deliver freshness to the world.
Turkey continues its progress in the agricultural sector. It is making progress every day, especially in the production and export of fresh vegetables and fruits. While continuing to add variety to its quality and delicious products, it carried its progress in the export of tropical fruit even further in the past years.
According to Hayrettin Uçak, president of the Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters' Association, Turkey exported 7 million 857 thousand dollars worth of tropical fruit in the first half of 2022. Uçak, in his written statement, emphasized that Turkey's value-added chain is growing more and more each year. He also explained that the graph in tropical fruit exports has drawn an increase, especially in recent years.
While tropical fruit exports are increasing in proportion, the diversity in the product range attracts everyone's attention. Having signed reliable commercial agreements, Turkey has also proven its success in the export-based tropical fruit sector.
Uçak reported that between 2018 and 2021, exports of tropical fruits climbed by 225 percent. Even though this rate is already extremely high, greater growth is anticipated in the future. The positioning of tropical fruits on the global market is crucial for maintaining a balance between supply and demand.
Uçak analyzed and announced the tropical fruit export data by year. "Our tropical fruit exports throughout Turkey were 4 million dollars in 2018 and 5 million dollars in 2019. In addition, we increased our exports to 13 million dollars in 2021 with an 85% jump, while it was 6 million dollars in 2020."
The Target for Tropical Fruit Exports is 20 Million Dollars
One of the biggest reasons for the intensification of exports and the demand for tropical fruits is the expansion of the product range. In this regard, Uçak also included this information in his statement.
He said that the export adventure that started with kiwi and avocado has expanded with fruits such as dragon fruit, passion fruit, carambola, papaya, mango, pineapple, coconut, and blueberry. The breadth of the product range also increases the developments in the production network. Producers are satisfied with the popularity of tropical fruits.
Uçak included expectations in his words:
While we exported tropical fruits to about 60 countries in 2020, we increased this to 83 countries and regions in 2021. We foresee that we can increase our tropical fruit exports to 20 million dollars by the end of 2022.”
The ever-increasing production plan also intensifies attempts to expand the tropical fruit-growing areas in Turkey. Expectations are, therefore, very high. Agribusiness facilities and greenhouses with ideal conditions are improving. The benefits of this development are also seen in the nation's exports of tropical fruits.
Turkey's Number One Country of Export: Russia
Russia and Romania continue to be Turkey's top importers of fresh produce. These nations are among the leading importers of tropical fruits in the first half of 2022. Uçak demonstrated the significance of Turkey in the tropical fruit market and the progressive rise in demand by providing statistics on this matter.
"We have an export of 1 million 467 thousand dollars to Russia. Moreover, we exported 920 thousand dollars to Romania with an increase of 10 percent. Our exports to the UK have reached 981 thousand dollars in the first half of 2022, from 119 thousand dollars compared to last year.”
In this approach, he claimed that in the first half of 2022, the UK rose to become Turkey's third-largest export market. Exports to Germany climbed by 38 percent, from 447 thousand dollars to 621 thousand dollars.
“Spain ranks first in tropical fruit exports with 553,000 dollars,” he said.
Product-Specific Export Rates
Referring to the export reports on the basis of products, Uçak underlined that Turkey is an agricultural country.
Kiwi, which grows mostly in the Black Sea and Marmara Regions in Turkey, was exported mostly to Russia at 5 million 454 thousand dollars.
Mango, which is grown in the coastal areas of warmer cities such as Adana and Mersin in Turkey, was the fruit that rose the most. Uçak said that the export of mango to Russia increased from 144 thousand dollars to 1 million 126 thousand dollars. The United Kingdom, on the other hand, ranks first in mango exports with 948 thousand dollars.
The output of blueberries, which are primarily farmed in Turkey's Black Sea Region, is still rising. The majority of Turkey's delectable blueberries were sold to Germany. Germany was the leading exporter of blueberries, driving this increase from 524 thousand to 761 thousand dollars.
Giving importance to change in its product range, Turkey includes different tropical fruits according to the climatic characteristics of its regions. Especially recently, it is also supportive of the cultivation of products such as guava pear and kumquat. Considering the product range, it is clear that tropical fruit exports will shine in the second half of 2022.
Data for Turkey's hazelnut exports between 1 September 2021 and 30 June 2022 has been announced. Turkey exported 306.653 tonnes of hazelnuts during the period in question. The country earned $1.810.072.668 of revenue.
Turkey Exported Hazelnuts to Germany the Most
In the first half of the year, Turkey exported hazelnuts to 124 nations. The countries with the most exports were Germany, Italy, and France. Turkey exported 149 thousand 701 tonnes of hazelnuts between January and June 2022. The country generated $835.097.371.
Turkey exported hazelnuts worth $212.641.734 to Germany. Furthermore, Turkey exported $156.653.335 to Italy, and $50.704,253 to France.
Turkey also exported hazelnuts to different countries. Unlike in the first half of last year, Turkey also exported to Venezuela, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, and Mauritania.
30% of Turkey's Hazelnut Exports Are from Trabzon
In the January-June period, Trabzon accounted for 30% of Turkey's total hazelnut exports. In the first half of the year, companies in Trabzon earned $250.658.937. Trabzon exported 51.536 tonnes of hazelnut. The state made sales to 56 different countries.
The Chairman of the Hazelnut Committee said that hazelnut exports in the 6-month period of the year exceeded 835 million dollars. Hazelnut exports from Trabzon increased by 20% in quantity and decreased by 9 percent in value. During the season's ten months, Trabzon accounted for 34% of hazelnut exports or one-third of all hazelnut exports. Thus the province maintained its first place in hazelnut exports. During the mentioned time, Trabzon exported hazelnuts to 61 nations. The top importers were Italy, Germany, Poland, France, and the People's Republic of China.
In the remaining 6 months, It is thought that hazelnut exports will close the year with an increase. Because the new season products are also supplied to the market. Experts think that Turkey will reach the targeted figures two months before the end of the year.
Reminding that there is 1 month left until the hazelnut harvest starts, Cirav said that they estimated that this year's yield would be very good considering the current weather conditions. According to experts, the shift to a support model will boost yield and quality in production. It will have the greatest influence on Turkey's hazelnut agriculture.
Experts thought the COVID-19 outbreak would have a negative impact on hazelnuts. Contrary to concerns, Turkey managed to reach the highest export figures. In the 2021–2022 season, which started on September 1, exports continued at the level of expectations. 340 thousand tonnes of exports are expected to be reached by the end of the season.
Turkey's 2020-2021 Charts and Future Goals
Turkey exported 292 thousand 439 tonnes of hazelnuts in the 2020–2021 export season. The country generated 2 billion 10 million 787 thousand 689 dollars in revenue. The hazelnut sector had a 1 percent share of total exports in the said period. In 2021, Turkey reached the highest export figures in the history of the republic in hazelnuts, with 344 thousand 370 tonnes on a yearly basis.
In the 2019-2020 period, Turkey exported 343 thousand, 561 tonnes on a seasonal basis. Germany, Italy, France, Poland, and the Netherlands were the five countries to which the hazelnut and hazelnut products sector exported the most in 2021. Thus, all 5 countries to which Turkey's hazelnut and hazelnut products sector exported the most were EU countries.
In 2021, the exports of hazelnut and its products amounted to 536.4 million dollars to Germany. Italy followed Germany with 497.7 million dollars, France with 163.1 million dollars, Poland with 106.3 million dollars, and Holland with 84.1 million dollars.
In 2020, Turkey had no exports to Djibouti, French Polynesia, Brunei, Guinea Bissau, Benin, and Sierra Leone. Turkey exported to these countries in 2021.
Exports to Germany Increased the Most
The hazelnut and its products sector saw the highest increase in exports to Germany on a quantity basis in 2021. The exports of the sector to Germany increased by 98.9 million dollars during this period. Following Germany in terms of exports, an increase of 92.8 million dollars was reported for Italy, 26.8 million dollars for France, 26.5 million dollars for China, and 16.3 million dollars for Poland.
The hazelnut industry's exports to China totaled 79.5 million dollars. Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Australia, and the United States saw the greatest reduction in sector exports in terms of quantity. Foreign sales of hazelnuts and related products to Canada fell by 29.9 million dollars. Furthermore, exports to Mexico fell by $22.2 million. Exports to Saudi Arabia fell by $8.4 million. Exports to Austria fell by $5.5 million.
On a provincial basis, Trabzon exported the most again in the hazelnut and its products sector with 781.9 million dollars in the mentioned period.
The Minister of Trade Mehmet Muş spoke about Turkey’s export figures in June. According to Muş, Turkey’s exports increased by 18,5% compared to the same month of the previous year. Thus Turkey’s exports reached 23,4 billion dollars.
Minister Muş attended the opening ceremony of the East Anatolian Exporters’ Association (DAIB) in Erzurum. During the opening, Muş touched upon Turkey’s success in exports as well as the recent export figures. Muş emphasized that Turkey was continuing its success in exports in the first six months of 2022 after achieving success in 2021.
Mehmet Muş continued to speak about exports. “Our exports reached 23,4 billion dollars in June by increasing 18,5% compared to the same month of the previous year. I would like to gladly emphasize that this figure is the highest export figure of all time. Thus, we have reached the highest monthly export value in the first 6 months of 2022. In the first six months of the year, Turkey realized exports worth 126 billion dollars.”
A Reverse Globalization Era
Muş talked about the problems regarding the global economy. Minister Muş stated that they were still dealing with the disruption of supply chains and the imbalance of supply-demand that had started with the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition to these problems still continuing, the Russia-Ukraine war also caused a significant rise in agricultural product prices and increased market fluctuations.
Inflation rates in the world were also one of the points of the minister’s speech. According to Muş, as a result of these issues in the world, inflation has reached record levels in developed countries. Emphasizing the inflation rates in the US and the UK, Muş stated that the inflation rates were at the peak level in the last 40 years. Muş also pointed out the possibility of a slowdown in the global economy when all the data and the new policies regarding inflation that were published were considered.
“The World Bank pointed to similarities between the stagflation that happened in the 1970s and the current situation in the report “Global Economic Prospects” published last month. Accordingly, we are witnessing that many international organizations are lowering their global growth estimations. OECD lowered its global growth estimate to 3% and World Bank updated its estimate to 2,9%. In this atmosphere, with the increasingly protective policies and the changes within the global value chain, the coming of a reverse globalization era is signaled.”
Solidarity and Cooperation Are Key
These global issues can only be solved when certain steps are taken by the governments in the world. Minister Muş shared his perspective on what could be done to combat and solve these problems. According to Muş, the solution to these global problems requires solidarity and cooperation more than ever. He also reminded the warning of United Nations regarding a food crisis that may happen in 2023. According to the UN, the rising food prices, when combined with the draught in Africa caused by climate change can turn into a food crisis in 2023.
Despite these issues in the world and all the problems that may arise in the near future, Muş remains hopeful. Muş highlighted that they were following the global issues closely and taking necessary steps to remove the obstacles on their way, especially in terms of logistics.
Mehmet Muş Answered Capital Controls Claims
Muş touched upon this subject further and explained that they were continuing their commercial diplomacy operations. They are opening new trade routes and ports with each passing day. Muş also referred to the capital controls claims.
“I want to make one thing clear. We will continue to support and protect anyone who trusts in our economy, invests, produces and exports. Especially in the last few days, we sadly witness intentional claims regarding capital controls. These are the claims that should not be trusted. Turkey is an advanced economy where the regulated free market system operated effectively and has never and will not compromise on the free market system.”
Turkey’s Economic Growth Continues
Minister Muş emphasized that domestic and foreign capital were in an economic climate where safe investment was possible. He also added that they were not going to change their stand on the free market. Muş pointed to Turkey’s continuous economic growth by sharing the related figures.
“Turkey’s economy grew 11% in 2021 and continued its growth in the first quarter of 2022 with 7,3% where the global economy struggled. In this 15-month period, half of Turkey’s GDP increase was due to our net exports. In other words, our domestic and national values, our exporters, continued to be the force behind Turkey’s economy. On the other hand, our industrial production index which is among the growth indicators, increased by 10,8% annually and showed that the production acceleration is continuing.”
The Turkish Exporters Assembly reports that Turkey's exports for the first half of the year were 125 billion 863 million 711 thousand dollars. Exports from Bursa account for 6.29 percent of Turkey's overall international sales, placing third after Istanbul and Kocaeli. One of the most talked-about occurrences of 2022 has been Bursa's substantial contribution to exports.
Exporting more than 180 products in the January-June period, Bursa's exports increased by 4.1 percent compared to the same period of the previous year and reached 7 billion 918 million 89 thousand dollars.
Uludağ Exporters' Unions Coordinator President Baran Çelik stated that there has been an increase in the export figures of all five unions within the body of UEU. Baran Celik used the following statements:
"Despite everything that goes wrong, we keep working and get stronger by working. By improving both their production and export potential, our union members continue to support the development and the nation's economy. We will keep pushing for a more powerful Turkey that grows and employs people using a sustainable strategy."
In addition to the words of Baran Çelik, as the sectoral increase in exports in Bursa continues, the state aid made to the producers also increases. New production opportunities in technology continue without slowing down, both in Turkey and in Bursa. Thus, production accelerates on a sectoral basis, and exports increase.
The production and export steps of Bursa, which is the shining star of Turkey in the field of automotive and textile, are getting stronger with each passing day.
The Automotive Sector Determined Bursa's Export Fortune
In the growing trade network of Bursa, the automotive industry holds the largest stake. The automotive industry's exports brought in 3 billion 93 million 188 thousand dollars between January and June.
The sector that followed the automotive sector was the ready-made clothing and apparel sector. The ready-to-wear and apparel industry achieved foreign sales of 919 million 496 thousand dollars in 6 months.
In the third place is the steel industry. The steel production industry sector became a partner in the rise of Bursa by exporting 682 million 283 thousand dollars.
The textile and raw materials sector contributed 653 million 354 thousand to Bursa's exports between January and June. In addition, the machinery and accessories sector brought in 611 million 275 thousand revenues. Finally, furniture, paper, and forest products earned 433 million 549 thousand revenues.
In addition, chemical materials and products earned 398 million 280 thousand dollars, while the ferrous and non-ferrous metals sector earned 374 million 240 thousand dollars. Finally, the air conditioning industry sector contributed 235 million dollars.
Bursa Exported the Most Products to Germany
Germany, one of Turkey's most important markets, has been the country to which Bursa exports the most. Exports to this country in the 6 months of the year were recorded as 1 billion 187 million 153 thousand dollars between January and June.
France is in second place with 706 million 187 thousand dollars. The USA is in third place. In the same period of last year, 386 million 551 thousand dollars of products were sold. Moreover, exports to the USA increased by 60.6 percent and reached 620 million 990 thousand dollars.
In the first half of the year, Spain ranked fourth with 607 million 537 thousand dollars in the ranking of the country to which Bursa exports the most. In addition, Italy ranked fifth with 599 million 766 thousand dollars.
How Did Bursa Rise So Much in Exports?
Bursa is characterized as an industrial base with its production activities in the industrial sector. The product capacity that it develops by using new technologies in production every day also affects its export share.
Contribution to the production of Bursa continues with R&D studies. Ermeksan, an industrial company known for its contributions to developments in this area, said that they thought Bursa would progress further.
The 3D additive manufacturing device created by Ermaksan Additive is used in many industries, including dental, biomedical, universities and research centers, defense and aviation, consumer goods, energy, and molding, according to Ahmet Özkayan, the company's deputy chairman of the board of directors.
With digitalization spreading all over the world, product classification is done better, especially in the automotive sector. In this way, both the scale of production can be measured and exports become more regular.
Aiming to do better in every field, Turkey also feels the effect of city-based development of Bursa throughout the country. When technology is combined with production, it reveals what can be done when it comes to export.
It is estimated that the increase in the automotive and manufacturing sectors will be more noticeable every year with the increase in the production of high-value-added machines. Both the producer and the developments that support the production have contributed greatly to the rise of Bursa.
Turkey is one of the leading countries in the world when it comes to the ready-to-wear and apparel industry. The country has a long history of expertise in this field, and has been exporting its products for centuries. Today, the Turkish ready-to-wear industry is worth over $5 billion, with exports accounting for around $2 billion. Turkey exports to countries like the United States, China, Germany, and the United Kingdom. This makes Turkey one of the most successful countries in Europe when it comes to this field.
The reason for this success can be found in Turkey's ability to produce high-quality clothing at an affordable price. Turkey produces high-quality clothing because of its skilled labor force, availability of commodities, and low production costs.
Over the past few years, Turkey’s exports have been increasing steadily in the ready-to-wear industry and it keeps breaking new records. A new record has been broken according to the data of the Turkish Exporters' Assembly (TIM). The data shows that Turkey's exports increased by 15.2 percent in May compared to the same month of the previous year. It amounted to $19 billion. This figure marks the highest May export value ever.
Ready-to-Wear and Apparel Industry Shines in Exports
In the January-May period this year, exports increased 20.4 percent year-on-year. It reached $102.5 billion compared to the previous year. The annualized export value rose to $242.6 billion. The ready-to-wear and apparel industry exported $1 billion 300 million in May 2021. It achieved exports of $1 billion 339 million in the same period this year, an increase of 3 percent.
The ready-to-wear and apparel industry achieved exports of $8.8 billion in January-May 2022. It is an increase of 15.8 percent compared to the same period last year. This was the highest January-May exports of all time. 906 million dollars of the sector's exports were made from Istanbul last month. It was followed by Bursa with $112 million 128 thousand and İzmir with $94 million 278 thousand.
Most Exports Were to Germany
In the ready-to-wear and apparel industry, Germany was the country with the highest export sales last month, with $217 million. Germany was followed by Spain with $181 million and the United Kingdom with $135 million.
Looking at the groups of countries to which the most exports were made in this sector last month, the EU countries ranked first with $817 million. The other European countries came forward with $179 million, and the Middle East countries with $105 million.
According to the data from TIM, the ready-to-wear and apparel industry exported to 174 countries and regions last month. It accounted for 7.1 percent of the country's total exports in the same period.
“The Ready-to-Wear Sector is Among the Strategically Important Sectors in Turkey”
Mustafa Gültepe, vice chairman and president of the Istanbul Ready-to-Wear and Apparel Exporters Association (İHKİB) gave a statement. In his statement, he said that the ready-to-wear industry was among the strategically important sectors in Turkey with its value-added production, jobs, and exports.
Gültepe expressed that they had brought Turkey $18.5 billion in net foreign exchange by the end of 2021 with a record export of $20.3 billion. He stated that Turkey had started 2022 with a target of at least $23 billion. Gültepe claimed that the data from the first four months showed that Turkey was making great strides toward that goal. He also mentioned Turkey’s records continuing in 2022 as well. Last March, Turkey surpassed $2 billion in monthly exports for the first time. At $2 billion 42 million.
The Sector Broke the Export Record of All Time
Gültepe also said, “we renewed our monthly export record in April and broke the export record of all time. We ended April with a 25.6 percent increase over the same month last year. We also set a record with our 4-month performance." He explained that exports from January to April rose to $7.5 billion, an 18.5 percent increase over the same period last year. Turkey achieved a 22.2 percent increase in April. In the same period, Turkey also increased their exports to the United Kingdom by 25.3 percent and its exports to the United States by 29.4 percent.
Gülltepe pointed out that the negative impact of the war between Russia and Ukraine, which began on February 24, on exports was limited. He said that from January to April, exports to Russia fell by 7.1 percent and exports to Ukraine by only 5.1 percent. He said he expected exports to regain momentum. Gültepe also stated that while they were struggling to maintain prices for basic products due to the increased cost of raw materials, orders from abroad were still holding up. "Our capacity utilization reached 84.1 percent in April. I believe that we will be able to end 2022 with exports of over $23 billion, barring any extraordinary events" he stated.