# Turkish Chemical Exporters Target $35 Billion in 2026

> Turkey’s chemical industry is aiming for $35 billion in exports in 2026, according to İKMİB President Adil Pelister. The sector exported $31.9 billion in 2025, shipped to 238 markets, and pushed export value back above $1 per kilogram, while also reducing imports by 8.8%.

Published: 2026-01-09T12:17:00+00:00
Language: en
Categories: [Finance and Investment](https://chemexworld.com/en/categories/business-world-markets/finance-and-investment.md), [News](https://chemexworld.com/en/categories/news.md)

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## Content

## **Exports Reached 238 Markets and Value Rose Above $1/kg**

Speaking at the chemical industry’s annual review meeting held at the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) Istanbul Foreign Trade Complex, **Adil Pelister**, President of the Istanbul Chemicals and Chemical Products Exporters’ Association (İKMİB), said the sector entered 2026 with a **$35 billion export target**.

Pelister noted that the chemical industry exported to **238 countries and regions in 2025**, and successfully lifted export value back above **$1 per kilogram**, highlighting improved competitiveness.

## **Chemicals Account for 13.5% of Turkey’s Total Exports**

Pelister emphasized that the chemical sector maintained a strong position in Turkey’s export basket, accounting for **13.5% of total exports**. He added that **12 out of 16 chemical sub-sectors** increased exports last year, while imports fell by **8.8%**, which he described as a positive sign for reducing dependence on imported raw materials and intermediates.

## **Plastics Led Sub-Sectors, UAE Recorded the Sharpest Growth**

According to Pelister, Turkey’s chemical exports totaled **$31.9 billion** in 2025. The leading sub-sectors were:

- **Plastics and plastic products:** **$9.6 billion**

- **Mineral fuels and products:** **$7.1 billion**

- **Inorganic chemicals:** **$3.7 billion**

He said the **Netherlands** was Turkey’s top export destination, followed by **Romania, Italy, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, the US, Russia, Iraq, and the UK**.

Among the top 20 markets, the **United Arab Emirates** recorded the largest increase, with exports rising **346.13%** and reaching **$1.3 billion**, Pelister added.

## **Pelister: “Our Biggest Wish Is to Scale Up and Move Into Higher Value Exports”**

Pelister underlined the sector’s strategic importance, noting that the chemical industry directly supports **27 major industries** through its 16 sub-sectors and remains one of Turkey’s key export engines.

Despite global challenges, he said the sector closed the year with **3.8% annual growth**.

> “We stepped into this year with a $35 billion target,” Pelister said. “Looking ahead, our biggest wish is for our industry to scale up and make a leap in exports with higher value-added products.”

## **Chemistry Technology Center Gains International Accreditation**

Pelister also announced that the **Chemistry Technology Center** has completed its accreditation process, meaning the tests, analyses, and certification carried out in its laboratories now have **international validity**.

He highlighted that **39 tests previously conducted abroad will now be performed in Turkey for the first time**, providing exporters with significant cost and time advantages. The center also includes a broader ecosystem, from an incubation hub to a digital library.

## **42 Export Events Planned Across 25 Countries**

As part of its **Vision 2030** roadmap, Pelister said the sector has moved forward with steps toward establishing a **Turkey Chemicals Agency**. He also outlined the export promotion agenda for 2026, stating that İKMİB plans to organize **42 export activities across 25 countries**.

The program includes:

- **17 national participations**

- **17 sectoral trade delegations**

- **5 info stands**

- **3 UR-GE projects**

*Source: AA*