Chemicals have become Turkey's second largest exporting sector, achieving $30.8 billion in exports in 2024. The sector aims to reach a $35 billion export target in 2025, focusing on high value-added exports and quality products. While growth was observed in 9 out of 16 sub-sectors of chemical exports, the leader in exports was the plastics sector.
Despite the stagnation in the global markets and the Turkish economy, the chemical sector, which accounted for 13.6% of Turkey's total exports with $30.8 billion, once again demonstrated that it is the locomotive of the Turkish economy. The sector created economic added value by exporting to over 230 countries in 2024, with the new target set at $35 billion. Despite the slowdown in global trade, growth was seen in 9 out of 16 sub-sectors of chemical exports, with the plastics and products sector leading the way.
The sub-sectors responsible for the highest exports in the chemical sector that concluded 2024 with $30.8 billion were identified. Last year, the plastics and products group led chemical exports with $9.4 billion, while the mineral fuels and products ranked second with $7.9 billion. Inorganic chemicals maintained third place with $2.7 billion in exports. Essential oils, cosmetics, and soaps placed fourth with $2.1 billion, and the rubber sector also marked its name among the top 5 in the 2024 chemical exports with $1.6 billion.
In 2024, 61.4% of chemical exports were made by member companies of the Istanbul Chemicals and Products Exporters' Association (IKMIB). Notably, the rise of the USA and Egypt among the top 10 countries for chemical exports caught attention. Romania ranked second with a 35% increase, while the USA rose into the top three with a 32% increase, and Egypt also made it into the top 10 with a 60% increase. Among the top 10 countries for chemical exports, the Netherlands maintained its first place, followed by Romania, the USA, Italy, Russia, Germany, Spain, Iraq, the UK, and Egypt in the order of highest exports.
Adil Pelister: “Chemicals are the pride of Turkey's exports”
Adil Pelister, the President of IKMIB, stated that the chemical industry is one of the locomotive sectors in Turkey's exports, creating high added value by touching every area of production. He noted, “Chemicals stand out as one of the pride sectors in Turkey's exports. We are continuing our upward trend in exports with our strategically important products that add value to every aspect of life, proudly representing our country around the world.” He mentioned that last year was particularly challenging for exporters due to the slowdown in the global economy, the protectionism brought about by geopolitical risks, and the difficulties in global trade. He added, “However, thanks to the dedicated efforts and border-crossing determination of our chemical exporters, we have succeeded in increasing both our market and product diversity. Our current goal is to look towards the new year with hope and focus on global opportunities to elevate our chemical exports to the next level.”
“We will achieve breakthroughs in chemicals with our Vision 2030 strategy”
Pelister emphasized that as IKMIB's Board of Directors, they have taken important steps to shape the future of the Turkish chemical industry in line with Vision 2030 strategies. He stated that they have signed a first for the sectors in Turkey with the opening of the Chemical Technology Center. Pelister revealed that 39 tests, which have not been conducted in Turkey before, would be carried out at the Chemical Technology Center, saying, “A total of 209 different tests will be conducted, and 100 tests will be accredited. This will save our exporters both time and costs. Initially, we will contribute an average of $12.5 million annually towards reducing our country’s current account deficit. We are continuing our efforts for the establishment of the Turkey Chemical Agency and the Chemical Sector Council projects under our Vision 2030 strategy. The Project for Brand Formation and Promotion of the Turkish Cosmetics Sector has also been approved by our Ministry of Trade. We aim to strengthen our presence in high-potential markets such as the USA, China, and Italy with this project,” he stated.
“We must be ready for global changes”
Speaking on behalf of Turkish chemical exporters, Pelister highlighted the importance of accurately interpreting the changes in global trade and focusing on leading the evolution of the sector. He mentioned that there are significant topics on their agenda for 2025 that will impact chemical exports. One of these is the border carbon regulation mechanism that will come into force within the framework of the EU Green Deal, emphasizing, “By December 31, 2025, companies exporting to the EU from sectors under the scope of the carbon regulation will need to report their carbon emissions. However, as of January 1, 2026, importers will be obliged to purchase carbon certificates corresponding to the carbon content of the products they import. This represents a very critical change that will directly impact us. The price increases for products with high carbon content due to the carbon regulation may affect the competitiveness of Turkish exporters. Therefore, reducing the carbon footprint within the sector has become crucial. Likewise, decreasing our dependence on imports for raw materials is of great importance. For this purpose, we need at least five petrochemical plants in the medium term. As IKMIB, we are taking necessary steps to be ready for the changes in global trade with all our stakeholders and partners and are conducting our discussions with our government. In light of the 2025 export route, we will continue our new market activities that will open the doors to more trade across a wide spectrum from Africa to Latin America.”
IKMIB to Organize 47 Export Events
IKMIB will hold a series of events in 2025 to open Turkish chemical exporters to international markets based on product, country, and region. This year, IKMIB will conduct 47 export organizations aimed at 25 countries, which includes plans for 15 national participations, six info stands, four Ur-Ge projects, three Ur-Ge trade delegations, and 19 sectoral trade delegations. In 2025, IKMIB will enhance the opportunities for chemical exporters through international participation export organizations aimed at the 16 sub-sectors ranging from the USA to Germany and from Pakistan to Australia.
