Türkiye’s exports to the European Union saw a notable increase, reaching $81.5 billion from January to September 2026. This represents a growth of 3.9% compared to the same timeframe in the previous year. A significant factor in this rise was the automotive sector, which recorded the highest surge in export value, according to the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM). Overall, Türkiye’s total exports also climbed by 5.2% year over year, reaching $210.9 billion from $200.5 billion, with exports to EU countries specifically increasing by approximately $3 billion.
Germany Remains Türkiye’s Top EU Market
Germany continued to be Türkiye’s primary export destination within the EU, with shipments amounting to $15.4 billion—an increase of 4.2% from the year prior. Following Germany, Italy was the next largest market, receiving goods worth $9.6 billion. Exports to Spain and France reached $8.3 billion and $7.9 billion, respectively. Romania and the Netherlands each imported $5.5 billion in Turkish goods, while Poland received $4.8 billion. Together, Germany, Italy, Spain, and France accounted for around $41.2 billion of Türkiye’s exports to the EU during this nine-month period. Notably, while exports increased to 17 EU member states, Türkiye experienced declines in 10 others.
Automotive Sector Drives Growth
The automotive industry was the standout performer, marking the most significant rise in export value among all sectors shipping goods to the EU. Automotive exports reached $22.9 billion, reflecting a 4.8% increase from the previous year’s $21.9 billion. This sector alone contributed an additional $1.1 billion in export value compared to the same period last year. Following the automotive industry were chemicals and chemical products, which totaled $10.3 billion, along with ready-to-wear clothing and apparel at $7.3 billion. Other sectors, such as iron and non-ferrous metals, also performed well, posting an increase of $1 billion, while electrical and electronics exports rose by $489.3 million.
Regional Contributions to Export Growth
Istanbul emerged as the leading province for Türkiye’s exports to the EU, with a total of $29.0 billion in goods shipped during the first nine months of the year. Kocaeli followed in second place with $11.4 billion, closely followed by Bursa at $9.4 billion. Ankara and Izmir rounded out the top five provinces, reporting exports of $5.7 billion and $5.4 billion, respectively. Collectively, these five regions contributed nearly $60.9 billion to Türkiye’s exports to the 27 EU member states, underlining the geographical concentration of Türkiye’s export activities.
Türkiye’s positive export performance to the EU signifies a growing economic relationship between the two regions. The consistent increase in export figures highlights both Türkiye’s competitive sectors and the potential for further growth in trade. The automotive sector’s substantial contribution emphasizes its pivotal role, as well as the varied success across different industries and regions within Türkiye. As such, this upward trend in exports not only reflects current market conditions but also sets the stage for future economic development.