New Destination for Turkish Exporters: South America
As part of the Ministry of Trade’s “Distant Countries Strategy,” Turkish exporters are preparing to make a commercial push into South America’s two largest economies: Brazil and Chile.
Under the coordination of the Ministry of Trade and the organization of the Turkish Exporters Assembly and the Aegean Exporters’ Associations, a trade delegation will be held from November 16–21, 2025. Turkish companies will conduct one-on-one meetings with importers in São Paulo, Brazil and Santiago, Chile.
Target in Trade with Brazil: Reducing the Deficit
Jak Eskinazi, Coordinator President of the Aegean Exporters’ Associations, emphasized that Brazil and Chile, with a combined population of 235 million and a GDP of $2.5 trillion, are the two largest markets in the region. He shared the following insights:
“Turkey’s exports to Brazil remain around $1 billion, while our imports reach $3.9 billion. This results in a trade deficit of approximately $3 billion. Our goal is to increase exports to Brazil and achieve a more balanced trade structure. Through such initiatives, we aim to collaborate with professional organizations in these countries and expand our trade volume.”
$1 Billion Trade Volume Target with Chile
Recalling that Turkey exported $360 million to Chile and imported $123 million in 2024, Eskinazi said:
“In 2021, our trade volume with Chile reached $978 million. We aim to halt the decline in trade with Chile and maintain our advantageous position, targeting a trade volume exceeding $1 billion. We expect strong participation from our exporters in this trade delegation, which is open to all sectors.”
Key Products in Turkey–Brazil Trade (2024)
Top Turkish exports to Brazil:
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$82 million: Carbonates, peroxicarbonates, and ammonium carbonates
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$66 million: Parts and components for land vehicles
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$56 million: Fresh and dried fruits and vegetables
Top imports from Brazil:
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$1.065 billion: Soybeans
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$567 million: Iron ore
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$473 million: Cotton
Key Products in Turkey–Chile Trade (2024)
Top Turkish exports to Chile:
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$36.2 million: Iron/steel bars
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$21.4 million: Tugboats and pushers
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$17.9 million: Profiles made of iron/non-alloy steel
Top imports from Chile:
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$24.7 million: Other shell fruits
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$22.5 million: Solid and liquid oils from fish or marine mammals
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$16.5 million: Nitrites; nitrates
Call for Participation
Turkish exporters can apply to join the trade delegation to Brazil and Chile viadelegations.tim.org.tr until the end of business day on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
