Billion-Dollar Export Performance from Istanbul Exporters’ Associations in 2025
The Istanbul Exporters’ Associations (İİB) increased its exports by 5.7% in 2025 compared to the previous year, reaching 12.732 billion dollars.
According to a statement from İİB, the organization, with its seven affiliated exporters’ associations, exported to 198 countries last year, achieving a total of 12.732 billion dollars in exports and accounting for 5.4% of Turkey’s total exports.
In December alone, İİB recorded 1.295 billion dollars in exports, a 17.7% increase compared to the same month of the previous year.
Export to the European Union Increased by 7.7%
Last year, İİB’s highest export value was to the United States, totaling 773 million dollars. The main products exported to the U.S. were sugar and sugar products from the cereals, pulses, oilseeds and products sector, as well as ships, yachts, and related services.
The U.S. was followed by Iraq, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Norway:
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To Iraq: wood and forestry products, animal products
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To Germany: hazelnuts and related products
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To the United Kingdom: paper and cardboard products, sugar and sugar products
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To Norway: ships, yachts, and related services
By country groups, İİB’s largest export destination was the European Union (EU), with exports rising 7.7% to 3.301 billion dollars.
Export Performance by Associations
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Istanbul Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds and Products Exporters’ Association: 3.856 billion dollars
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Istanbul Furniture, Paper and Forestry Products Exporters’ Association: 3.743 billion dollars
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Ship, Yacht and Services Exporters’ Association: 2.244 billion dollars
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Istanbul Aquatic Products and Animal Products Exporters’ Association: 1.341 billion dollars
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Istanbul Hazelnut and Products Exporters’ Association: 729 million dollars
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Istanbul Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters’ Association: 627 million dollars
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Istanbul Dried Fruit and Products Exporters’ Association: 344 million dollars
“Significant Increases by Country Groups”
İİB Coordinator Chairman Erkan Özkan stated that Istanbul Exporters’ Associations closed 2025 with a 5.7% increase, achieving strong annual export figures:
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“Looking at the details, we achieved significant increases by country groups. Exports to EU countries rose 7.7% to 3.301 billion dollars, to other European countries 13.7% to 1.464 billion dollars, to African countries 4.8% to 1.279 billion dollars, to the Commonwealth of Independent States 5.1% to 1.058 billion dollars, and to North American Free Trade Area countries 15.2% to 909 million dollars. Istanbul exporters had a busy year with activities aimed at boosting exports.”
Plans for 2026
Özkan also shared information about İİB’s upcoming activities:
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“In the new year, we aim to secure a larger share of global trade by organizing promotional events and activities in our target markets. We will adopt a growth strategy that prioritizes sustainable and value-added production. Starting from the first quarter of 2026, we have begun preparations for fairs and trade missions to various countries. We will continue to meet frequently with our members to carry out activities addressing the needs and demands of the sector.”
