The Istanbul Global E-Export Summit (IGEXX 2026) took place at the Halic Congress Center, coordinated by Turkey’s Trade Ministry alongside the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) and the Electronic Commerce Operators Association (ETID). This significant event underscores the growing importance of e-commerce in the global market, especially for Turkey.
E-commerce Growth Post-Pandemic
During the opening session, Trade Minister Omer Bolat emphasized the crucial role that digital channels play in connecting with consumers today. He highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated significant transformation in both the information technology and e-commerce landscape. According to Bolat, e-commerce, which represented only 4.5% of total trade in 2019, surged to approximately 20% as of recent data. This dramatic shift reflects the rising reliance on online platforms during and after the pandemic’s peak.
Bolat also pointed out that the e-commerce sector in Turkey has seen an impressive annual growth rate of 80% from 2019 to 2025. The retail sector share of e-commerce has increased remarkably, accounting for roughly 20% of total retail sales. In a broader context, global data reveals that gross domestic product surged by 33% from 2019 to 2025, while overall retail grew by 28%. This evolution emphasizes a significant shift in consumer behavior leaning towards online shopping.
The Rise of B2C E-commerce
The minister also shed light on the booming business-to-consumer (B2C) segment, which experienced remarkable growth. The volume of direct e-commerce transactions rose by 91%, reaching an astonishing $6.5 trillion. E-commerce now constitutes 20% of total global retail sales—a figure that mirrors Turkey’s own trajectory. This data points to the burgeoning potential for businesses to tap into the expanding world of e-commerce, positioning themselves for lucrative opportunities.
To facilitate this growth, the Trade Ministry has rolled out numerous initiatives aimed at easing access to essential information for companies wishing to boost their e-export activities. Bolat mentioned that around 40 guides and manuals, covering e-export roadmaps and customs procedures for 25 countries, have been made available on their ministry’s website. This resource is invaluable for businesses looking to navigate the complex world of international e-commerce.
Turkey’s E-export Ambitions
Looking ahead, the Turkish government has set ambitious targets for e-exports, aiming to achieve $6 billion by the year-end. The data indicates a promising trajectory, with the number of businesses generating annual e-exports exceeding $10,000 rising from 8,132 in 2022 to an expected 11,420 by the close of 2025. Istanbul, as anticipated, emerged as the frontrunner among Turkish provinces in terms of e-export volume, with the apparel sector leading the way.
In terms of trading partners, Bolat identified key countries for Turkey’s e-commerce exports, including the United States, Germany, Azerbaijan, Romania, and Saudi Arabia. This diverse portfolio of partners highlights the strategic opportunities that Turkey is poised to leverage in the international e-commerce sphere.
In conclusion, the overarching narrative from the Istanbul Global E-Export Summit underscores the critical evolution of Turkey’s e-commerce landscape. With a focus on digital expansion and strategic partnerships, Turkey is positioning itself to be a significant player in the global e-export arena.