Turkey's exports in March reached $23.4 billion, marking a 3.2% increase. The automotive sector led exports with $3.5 billion, while the chemical sector secured the second position with $2.7 billion in exports for March. Ömer Karadeniz, President of the Plastic Manufacturers Federation (PLASFED), stated that the export of plastics and products within the group of chemical substances and goods ranked first with $775 million.
Karadeniz highlighted that increased production leads to increased exports, which is vital for Turkey's economic growth. "The industrial sector is one of the fundamental building blocks that make the economic growth of countries sustainable. The increase in production capacity directly affects not only economic indicators but also social welfare, technological advancements, and international competitiveness," he said.
According to data from the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), Turkey's exports in March reached $23.4 billion, reflecting a 3.2% increase. Exports from the first quarter of 2025 reached $65.3 billion, and the 12-month export figure climbed to $263.4 billion. Among the sectors with the highest exports, the automotive sector led with $3.5 billion in March, while the chemical sector maintained its status as Turkey's second-largest exporter with $2.7 billion. The chemical sector's exports for the first three months reached $7.7 billion.
The export of plastics and products within the chemical substances and goods group ranked first with $775 million. In second place, mineral fuels and products accounted for $774 million in exports, while inorganic chemicals ranked third with $236 million. Other sectors in the top 10 following 'inorganic chemicals' included; 'essential oils, cosmetics, and soaps' at $143 million, 'rubber, rubber goods' at $142 million, 'paints, varnishes, inks, and preparations' at $120 million, 'pharmaceutical products' at $137 million, 'various chemical substances' at $106 million, 'organic chemicals' at $62 million, and 'adhesives, glues' at $49 million.
"Industrial production is the backbone of Turkish exports"
stated PLASFED President Ömer Karadeniz, noting that the March export figures reached $23.4 billion, a 3.2% increase compared to the same month last year, indicating the second-highest March export in the history of the Republic. He expressed that exports play a pivotal role in a country's economic growth, stating, "These figures demonstrate Turkey's stability in export performance and growth potential."
Karadeniz emphasized that industrial products are the backbone of Turkey's exports and pointed out the strength of the country's export infrastructure. He highlighted the ongoing positive trend in Turkey's exports, saying it is valuable, and noted, "The faster growth of exports compared to imports is significant for closing the foreign trade deficit. As the share of value-added products increases, this growth can become more sustainable."
"The three-month data of the plastic sector reached $2.5 billion"
Reporting that the plastic sector continues to lead within the chemical sector, Karadeniz mentioned that the three-month exports of this sector approached $2.5 billion, indicating that with economic stability and increased production, the sector will continue to grow exponentially.
"We must declare a mobilization for production"
Karadeniz stated that the country must mobilize for qualified and value-added production, asserting that reaching Turkey's medium and long-term goals passes through production. Emphasizing that increased production leads to increased exports, he stated, "The industrial sector is one of the fundamental building blocks that make the economic growth of countries sustainable. The increase in production capacity directly affects not only economic indicators but also social welfare, technological advancements, and international competitiveness."
Karadeniz pointed out the significant role of industrial production in GDP, stating that especially in industrialized countries, production sectors not only increase employment but also enhance export potential, thereby protecting the national economy from external dependency. He emphasized that as industrial production increases, the country's income level will rise, public revenues will increase, and economic growth will gain momentum.
Translated by Artificial Intelligence
