According to data from the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), Türkiye’s total exports reached $21.1 billion in February 2026, while the chemical industry ranked as the second-largest exporting sector with $2.3 billion in exports. The sector’s cumulative exports for the first two months of the year exceeded $4.5 billion.
A Key Pillar of the Industrial Supply Chain
Beyond export figures, the chemical industry plays a crucial role in Türkiye’s economy by supplying raw materials and intermediate goods to a wide range of industries.
Providing inputs to 27 different sectors, the chemical industry supports production across fields such as automotive, textiles, construction, and manufacturing, making it an essential component of the country’s industrial ecosystem.
Adil Pelister, Chairman of the Istanbul Chemicals and Chemical Products Exporters’ Association (İKMİB), emphasized the sector’s strong export performance and strategic importance.
“With $2.3 billion in exports in February, we maintained our position as Türkiye’s second-largest exporting sector. Our sector’s exports in the first two months of the year have surpassed $4.5 billion.”
Pelister noted that the chemical industry continues to play a significant role in Türkiye’s economic growth thanks to its broad production capacity and diversified industrial structure.
Geopolitical Risks Closely Monitored
Global developments are also being closely monitored by industry stakeholders. Pelister pointed out that geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts, and uncertainties in Türkiye’s surrounding regions may affect energy prices, logistics costs, and supply chains.
Despite these challenges, the sector remains focused on sustaining export growth and maintaining its competitive position in global markets.
Plastics and Plastic Products Lead Exports
Among the chemical industry’s sub-sectors, plastics and plastic products ranked first in February exports with $770.2 million.
They were followed by:
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Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products: $418.5 million
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Inorganic chemicals: $208.5 million
Other top-performing sectors in the export rankings included essential oils and cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, rubber products, paints and coatings, miscellaneous chemicals, detergents, and organic chemicals.
Germany Becomes the Top Export Market
In February, Germany was the largest export destination for the Turkish chemical industry with $117 million in exports.
Germany was followed by the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Morocco, Romania, Russia, the United States, Iraq, and Georgia.
Among the top 20 export markets, Morocco recorded the highest growth rate with an increase of 243.54%.
With its broad industrial base and its role in supplying inputs to numerous sectors, the chemical industry continues to play a key role in Türkiye’s economic growth and export performance. Industry representatives emphasize that the sector aims to further strengthen its global position through high value-added production and diversification into new markets, while developments in export markets will continue to be closely monitored.
