Turkey's exports in March reached $23.4 billion with a 3.2% increase. Among the sectors with the highest exports, the automotive sector ranked first with $3.5 billion, while the chemical sector achieved exports of $2.7 billion, making it Turkey's second-largest exporting sector. Ömer Karadeniz, Chairman of the Federation of Plastic Manufacturers (PLASFED), stated that among chemical products and materials, plastics and their products lead with $775 million in exports.
Karadeniz emphasized that more production would lead to more exports, helping Turkey's economy grow. He said, “The industrial sector is one of the essential cornerstones that enable the sustainable economic growth of countries. An increase in production capacity has a direct impact not only on economic indicators but also on social welfare, technological developments, and international competitiveness.”
According to the data from the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), Turkey's exports in March reached $23.4 billion, marking a 3.2% increase. The first-quarter exports of 2025 amounted to $65.3 billion, with a 12-month export total of $263.4 billion. Among the leading sectors in exports, the automotive sector led in March with $3.5 billion, while the chemical sector maintained its title as Turkey's second-largest exporter with $2.7 billion. The chemical sector's first quarterly exports reached $7.7 billion.
In product groups of chemicals and goods, the export of plastics and products ranked first with $775 million. Following in second place with exports of $774 million are mineral fuels and products, while inorganic chemicals ranked third with $236 million. Other sectors in the top 10 following ‘inorganic chemicals’ include; essential oils, cosmetics, and soap with $143 million; rubber and rubber goods with $142 million; paints, varnishes, inks, and preparations with $120 million; pharmaceutical products with $137 million; various chemicals with $106 million; organic chemicals with $62 million; and adhesives and glues with $49 million.
“Industrial production is the backbone of Turkish exports”
Stating that March's exports reached $23.4 billion with a 3.2% increase compared to the same month last year, PLASFED Chairman Ömer Karadeniz noted that this is the second highest March export figure in the history of the Republic. Karadeniz expressed that exports play a leading role in a country's economic growth, saying, “This data shows the stability in Turkey's export performance and its growth potential.”
Emphasizing that industrial products are the backbone of Turkey's exports, Karadeniz highlighted the strength of the export infrastructure. He stressed the importance of the ongoing positive trend in Turkey's exports and stated, “The faster increase in exports compared to imports is significant for closing the foreign trade gap. As the share of value-added products increases, this growth can become more sustainable.”
The plastic sector's three-month data is $2.5 billion
Karadeniz reported that the three-month exports of the leading plastic sector within the chemical sector approached $2.5 billion, indicating that with economic stability and increased production, the sector will experience exponential growth.
“We must declare a state of mobilization for production”
Karadeniz stated that the country must be mobilized for qualified and value-added production, asserting that the path to achieving Turkey's medium and long-term goals passes through production. He reiterated that more production leads to more exports and consequently the growth of Turkey's economy, stating, “The industrial sector is one of the fundamental building blocks that make the sustainable economic growth of countries possible. An increase in production capacity directly affects not only economic indicators but also social welfare, technological developments, and international competitiveness.”
Karadeniz pointed out that industrial production holds a significant place in GDP, especially in industrialized countries, where production sectors not only increase employment but also elevate export potential, protecting the national economy from external dependencies. He emphasized that as industrial production increases, the country's income level will rise, public revenues will increase, and economic growth will gain momentum.
Translated by Artificial Intelligence
