Exports rise in 50 Turkish provinces during first half

Turkey's automotive industry is setting ambitious goals for the coming years, aiming to reach $43 billion in exports by 2026. This target comes on the heels of a strong start to the year, with overseas sales rising by 4.3 percent compared to the same period last year, reaching $20.8 billion in the first half of 2025. The announcement was made during the Champions of Exports Awards Ceremony hosted by the Uludag Automotive Industry Exporters’ Association (OİB). Kemal Yazıcı, chairman of the OİB, emphasized that the industry is well-positioned to meet its goal, with a possibility of exceeding it. He pointed out that Turkey has emerged as one of Europe's leading production centers, employing over 550,000 people, with 250,000 working directly within the sector. The industry includes 14 major companies, numerous suppliers, and more than 3,000 active exporters who collectively contribute significantly to the national economy. In 2025 alone, the automotive sector generated $41.5 billion in exports, making up 15.2 percent of the country's total exports. A large portion of these exports—72.5 percent—were directed toward European Union countries, with an additional 12.2 percent going to other European nations outside the EU. Together, these markets account for approximately 85 percent of the sector's total exports. Yazıcı also addressed concerns related to the European Union's proposed "Made in EU" initiative, designed to protect European industries from competition with China. While Turkey is largely excluded from the scope of this legislation, industry stakeholders continue to work together to address the implications of such policies. These discussions involve exporters, industry associations, and public institutions seeking ways to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape. Trade Minister Ömer Bolat echoed the significance of the automotive industry's role in Turkey's economic framework. He noted that the sector has been the leading export force in the country for the past 19 years and currently holds the position of Europe's fifth-largest automotive industry. Additionally, Turkey has ascended to the rank of the world's 13th-largest automotive production hub and the fifth-largest in Europe. Last year, the automotive sector contributed over 15 percent to Turkey's overall exports, which totaled $273 billion. Bolat highlighted Turkey's prominence in specific areas of vehicle production, particularly in buses and light commercial vehicles. According to 2025 production data, Turkey leads Europe and ranks ninth globally in light commercial vehicle production. In the realm of bus manufacturing, Turkey stands as the world's fourth-largest producer. Furthermore, the country is recognized as Europe's fifth-largest and the world's 13th-largest producer of passenger cars. During the ceremony, Ford Otomotiv was acknowledged as the top exporter in the automotive sector for 2025. Alongside Ford, 133 other companies received recognition for their export achievements, with awards given in categories such as platinum, gold, silver, and bronze. These accolades reflect the diverse contributions of various firms within the industry, underscoring the collective effort towards achieving the set export targets. As the industry continues to grow and adapt to new challenges, the focus remains on maintaining and expanding its presence in both domestic and international markets.