Türkiye delivered a strong export performance in 2025 despite global economic uncertainty, geopolitical risks, and mounting pressure on international trade. Data from the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) show that Türkiye’s exports rose by 4.5% year-on-year to reach $273.4 billion.
In the sectoral breakdown, the automotive industry ranked first with $41.5 billion in exports, followed by chemicals and chemical products with $31.9 billion, and the electrical and electronics sector with $17.7 billion. Within the chemicals group, plastics and plastic products maintained their clear leadership in 2025, posting exports of $9.567 billion. Mineral fuels and related products followed with $7.133 billion, while inorganic chemicals ranked third with $3.673 billion.
Karadeniz: Plastics Are a Key Driver of Chemical Exports
Commenting on the 2025 results, PLASFED President Ömer Karadeniz said Türkiye had reached historically high export levels despite global economic slowdown, geopolitical risks, and ongoing trade tensions. He noted that the chemicals sector became Türkiye’s second-largest exporting industry with nearly $32 billion in exports, adding that the plastics industry played a decisive role in this achievement.
Karadeniz stated that plastics exports approached $10 billion in 2025, underlining that this performance reflects not only the strength of the sector but also the resilience, flexibility, and production capacity of Turkish industry. He emphasized that the plastics sector, supported by high-technology manufacturing, a broad product range, and strong export capabilities, remains one of the key pillars sustaining Türkiye’s competitiveness in global markets.
Production And Exports Continue Despite Global Tensions
Karadeniz pointed out that ongoing wars and regional conflicts, disruptions in logistics routes, and volatility in energy costs continue to weigh heavily on global trade. He said Turkish manufacturers have maintained production and exports despite rising costs, difficulties in accessing finance, and shrinking markets.
He added that exporters have managed to protect their existing markets while also expanding into new ones, describing this resilience as a significant advantage for the Turkish economy.
“Structural Measures Must Be Implemented Swiftly”
Emphasizing the importance of industry- and export-oriented policies for sustainable economic growth, Karadeniz called for steps to ease cost pressures on manufacturers, improve access to finance, and rapidly implement structural reforms that support exports.
