16 July 2026 22:47 (UTC+04:00)
Türkiye’s exports to the European Union increased 4.7%
year-on-year during the first half of 2026, reinforcing the bloc’s
position as the country’s largest export market, according to data
compiled from the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM).
Türkiye’s total exports rose 3.6% in the January-June period to
$136.1 billion, up from $131.4 billion in the same period of 2025.
Exports to EU member states climbed from $52.1 billion to $54.6
billion, accounting for roughly 40% of Türkiye’s total overseas
shipments.
The automotive industry remained Türkiye’s largest export sector
to the European Union, generating $15.6 billion in shipments during
the first six months of the year.
Chemicals and chemical products: $7.2 billion
Ready-made garments and apparel: $4.8 billion
Iron and non-ferrous metals: $4.2 billion
These sectors continued to underpin Türkiye’s manufacturing base
and its integration into European industrial supply chains.
Among EU member states, Germany retained its position as
Türkiye’s largest export market.
Exports to Germany increased 4.3% year-on-year to $10.1 billion,
followed by:
Istanbul remained Türkiye’s leading export hub for shipments to
the European Union.
Exports from Istanbul to Germany totaled $3.89 billion during
the first half of the year. Italy, Spain, France, and the
Netherlands followed as the city’s largest EU export
destinations.
Romania continued to rank among Türkiye’s top five EU export
markets, with exports from Istanbul reaching $1.26 billion during
the January-June period.
Trade experts say economic relations between Türkiye and the
European Union are becoming increasingly strategic, supported by
expanding trade volumes, investment flows, and deepening industrial
integration.
As Türkiye’s largest export destination, the EU continues to
provide a crucial market for Turkish manufacturers, particularly in
the automotive, machinery, chemicals, textiles, and household
appliances industries.
The ongoing restructuring of global supply chains is also
strengthening Türkiye’s position as a reliable manufacturing and
sourcing hub for European companies seeking greater supply chain
resilience.
Analysts note that cooperation on the green and digital
transition, efforts to diversify supply chains, and the potential
modernization of the EU-Türkiye Customs Union could further deepen
economic integration between the two sides.
İstanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) President Şekib Avdagiç said
Europe’s evolving security strategy is increasingly shaped not only
by military deterrence but also by industrial capacity, resilient
supply chains, and technological independence.
According to Avdagiç, Europe’s efforts to reduce dependence on
external suppliers in defense and advanced manufacturing
technologies are creating opportunities for more selective and
strategic technology cooperation with Türkiye.
He also highlighted energy security as a critical pillar of
Türkiye-EU relations.
“Türkiye has become increasingly important both as a transit
country and as a regional energy distribution hub in Europe’s
search for secure energy supplies,” Avdagiç said.
He noted that Türkiye’s role in facilitating energy flows from
the Eastern Mediterranean, the Caspian region, and the Middle East
to European markets extends beyond pipeline infrastructure and has
become an important component of regional geopolitical
stability.
“Relations between Türkiye and Europe have evolved beyond the
framework of traditional foreign policy into a multidimensional
strategic partnership where security, economic policy, and
industrial cooperation are increasingly intertwined,” Avdagiç said.
“The relationship is now shaped not only by short-term developments
but also by a growing structure of long-term mutual
interdependence.”
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