Turkey is a major exporter of various goods and commodities. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey has leveraged its strategic geographic position to become a hub for trade between the two continents. In recent years, Turkey’s exports have grown steadily, reaching over $225 billion in 2022.

Some of Turkey’s top exports include

Agricultural Products

Agriculture remains an important part of the Turkish economy Turkey exports significant quantities of fruits, nuts, and vegetables

• Edible fruits, nuts, peel of citrus fruit, melons were Turkey’s top agriculture export in 2022, valued at $4.94 billion. Turkey is one of the world’s largest exporters of hazelnuts, figs, apricots, and cherries. The fertile valleys and plains along Turkey’s Aegean coast allow for extensive production of fruits and nuts.

Minerals

Turkey possesses large reserves of various minerals used in construction and manufacturing.

• Salt, sulphur, earth, stone, plaster, lime and cement exports reached $3.82 billion in 2022. Turkey is a leading global supplier of marble, boron minerals, feldspar, and magnesite. The country’s diverse geology gives it extensive mineral resources.

Rubber

• Rubber exports amounted to $3.71 billion in 2022. Turkey has a sizable rubber industry, both producing raw rubber and manufacturing rubber products. Turkish companies process imported raw rubber into finished rubber goods for export.

Chemicals

• Inorganic chemicals, precious metal compounds, isotopes totaled $3.55 billion in exports during 2022. Turkey has established itself as a regional chemical manufacturing hub. Chemical plants throughout the country produce commodities like fertilizers, plastic resins, and paint pigments.

Textiles and Clothing

Turkey has a large textile industry, dating back centuries. Turkish companies export high volumes of apparel, fabric, home textiles, and yarn. Main export markets include Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Cotton and wool are the primary inputs.

Machinery

Turkey has developed extensive manufacturing capabilities in recent decades. Machinery accounted for over $14 billion in exports in 2022. Top exports include power generation equipment, air conditioners, refrigerators, and furnaces. Automotive parts and accessories are also major exports.

Iron and Steel

As an emerging industrial power, Turkey has a growing metals industry centered around iron and steel. Pig iron, stainless steel, and other steel products make up a sizable portion of exports. Turkey’s steel exports go mainly to countries in the Middle East and North Africa.

Vehicles

The Turkish automotive industry produces passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, buses, and trucks, many destined for export markets. Ford, Fiat, Renault, and Hyundai all operate major auto factories in Turkey. Turkey shipped over $12 billion in automotive exports in 2022.

Electronic Equipment

Turkey has cultivated an electronics manufacturing base to support exports. Telecommunications equipment, video displays, integrated circuits, and other electronics comprise a growing segment of Turkey’s exports. Major electronics firms like Samsung, Bosch, and LG have production facilities in Turkey.

Other Notable Exports

A few other significant Turkish exports include:

• Petroleum gases
• Ships and boats
• Jewelry
• Plastics
• Olive oil
• Dried fruits and nuts
• Tobacco products
• Yarn and fabric
• Cereals
• Furniture
• Carpets

Key Trends in Turkish Exports

Analyzing the shifts in Turkey’s exports over the past decade reveals some notable trends. Here are a few key developments:

• Rising overall export value – From around $150 billion in 2012 to over $225 billion in 2022, Turkey’s total annual exports have increased steadily. The country has focused on boosting exports to reduce its trade deficit.

• More diversified export profile – While textiles, clothing, and agri-foods remain vital, Turkey has grown exports in other sectors like automotive, machinery, and electronics. This results in a more diversified export portfolio.

• Increased exports to proximate regions – Exports to Turkey’s neighboring regions have risen as a share of total exports. The Middle East now receives over 30% of Turkey’s exports, up from under 20% in 2012. Exports to Africa have also grown.

• Declining exports to the EU – Exports to the European Union accounted for over 45% of Turkey’s total exports in 2012. That share has now dropped to around 35% as of 2022, as Turkey expands exports to faster growing emerging markets.

Conclusion

Turkey has leveraged its crossroads location and industrial base to develop into a significant exporting nation. While traditionally agricultural goods and textiles made up the majority of its exports, Turkey has successfully diversified into new export sectors. Key exports now include fresh and dried fruits, minerals, rubber, chemicals, machinery, textiles, vehicles, and electronics. With continued economic development and trade-focused policies, Turkey seems poised to bolster its presence in global export markets for years to come.