Türkiye’s trade with BRICS nations has seen significant growth in 2026, showcasing the country’s expanding presence in the global market. The latest data reveals that exports to these ten countries amounted to $18.23 billion during the first nine months of the year. As Türkiye continues to build its relationships with these major economies, the figures highlight both opportunities and challenges as the year progresses.
Export Figures to BRICS Nations
According to the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM), Türkiye’s exports to BRICS countries—namely Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates—demonstrated an overall increase of 5.2% compared to the same period in the previous year. Total exports from Türkiye rose from $200.5 billion to $210.9 billion. The largest recipient of Turkish goods was Russia, which imported $4.11 billion worth of products. The United Arab Emirates followed closely with $3.26 billion, while Egypt and China accounted for $3.06 billion and $3 billion, respectively. Exports to Iran reached $1.83 billion, showcasing a varied demand for Turkish products across different BRICS nations.
While Türkiye increased exports to eight of the ten BRICS countries, there were declines in two markets. Notably, the most significant gains were seen in Ethiopia at 79.6%, followed by China with a remarkable 40.8% increase. Additionally, South Africa and Egypt reported increases of 29.1% and 28.6% respectively. However, exports to the UAE experienced a substantial decline of 41.2%, while shipments to Russia dropped by 2.5%.
Sector Performance in BRICS Exports
The export dynamics also reveal sector-specific performances, with chemicals and chemical products leading the way, achieving shipments worth $3.53 billion to BRICS nations. The mining sector also showed remarkable growth, with a year-on-year increase of 33.5%, climbing from $1.61 billion to $2.15 billion—a boost of approximately $539.1 million. Conversely, Türkiye faced challenges in the jewelry sector, as exports plummeted by 45%, falling from $2.39 billion to $1.32 billion. In contrast, textiles and raw materials showed a positive trend, increasing by 8.7% to reach $1.18 billion.
The geographical distribution of exports to these countries indicates that Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Kocaeli, and Bursa were the leading provinces in this trade. Collectively, they contributed $12.48 billion of total exports during the first nine months of 2026, with Istanbul alone accounting for an impressive $8.16 billion. Ankara contributed $1.91 billion, while İzmir and Kocaeli followed with $1.04 billion and $703 million, respectively. Bursa added $657.5 million to the mix.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
As Türkiye continues to strengthen its ties with BRICS nations, the statistics reflect both opportunities for further growth and hurdles to overcome. While increasing demand from countries like China and Ethiopia is promising, the decline in exports to markets such as Russia and the UAE raises concerns. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for Türkiye as it aims to optimize its export strategies and enhance market penetration in these emerging economies.
In summary, Türkiye’s burgeoning trade with BRICS countries is shaping the landscape of its export economy. As these nations continue to play a significant role in shaping global commerce, Türkiye’s adaptability and strategic focus will determine its success in harnessing this opportunity for sustained economic growth.