Ömer Karadeniz: "Production and Raw Material Support is Essential for Competitiveness in Industry"
PLASFED Chairman of the Board Ömer Karadeniz was a guest on the program "Gündemin Nabzı" (Pulse of the Agenda) hosted by Bengü Kantekin on Ulusal Kanal. The agenda of the industry, the effects of the interest rate decision on production, competitiveness in exports, and the role of the plastics sector in the Turkish economy were discussed on the program.
Evaluating the Central Bank's policy rate cut of 100 basis points down to 36 percent as a positive development, Karadeniz stated that industrialists expect the cuts to continue. Emphasizing that the fight against inflation and interest rate policies should be handled in a way that protects production and employment, Karadeniz expressed that high costs and problems in accessing finance are challenging industrialists.
Drawing attention to the exchange rate costs faced by exporters, Karadeniz said that the difference between inflation and the exchange rate negatively affects Turkish producers' price competitiveness in international markets.
Contribution of the plastics sector to the economy
Stating that the Turkish plastics sector is a significant economic power with a production capacity exceeding 10 million tons, a turnover of approximately 50 billion dollars, and direct exports of 9.5 billion dollars, Karadeniz noted that the sector's contribution reaches approximately 16 billion dollars when indirect exports are included.
Emphasizing that plastics and composites play a critical role in many fields from automotive to the defense industry, and from aviation to medical products, Karadeniz stated that the strategic importance of the sector needs to be better understood.
Domestic raw material production must be increased
Drawing attention to the fact that while there is a foreign trade surplus in plastic products, raw material imports create a significant deficit, Karadeniz stated that in 2025, plastic product exports were approximately 7.34 billion dollars and imports were 3.86 billion dollars. He recalled that there is a foreign trade deficit of approximately 9 billion dollars in plastic raw materials.
Stating that Turkey needs to develop its domestic production capacity, especially in engineering plastics, Karadeniz said that incentivizing raw material producers is important in terms of economic independence and the sustainability of the industry.
Touching upon the contraction in the manufacturing industry and the PMI data, which has been hovering below the threshold value of 50 for a long time, Karadeniz emphasized that preserving production power is decisive for the country's future. Evaluating the Deposit Return System as a positive step, Karadeniz stated that source separation must also be widespread for environmental protection.
This content has been translated using artificial intelligence technology.