Exports from free zones surpassed $12.4 billion.

Free trade zones operating in Türkiye strengthened their contribution to the economy in 2025, driven by growth in exports and overall trade volume. According to data compiled from the Ministry of Trade, a total of 19 free zones are actively operating across the country.

Thanks to advantages such as tax exemptions, ease of profit transfers, low-cost infrastructure, and access to global markets, free zones play a strategic role in exports, production, and employment. Key sectors active in these zones include software, yacht and shipbuilding, ship repair and maintenance, medical equipment, automotive, ready-to-wear apparel, leather goods, and R&D activities.

Free zones also make a significant contribution to employment. As of the end of 2025, the number of people employed in these zones reached 92,386.

Growth in Trade Volume and Exports

According to the data, the total trade volume of free zones stood at $27.691 billion in 2024. This figure increased by 3.1% in 2025 to $28.554 billion.

A similar upward trend was observed in exports. Exports from free zones amounted to $11.993 billion in 2024 and rose by 3.9% in 2025 to $12.463 billion. As a result, exports accounted for 43.6% of the total trade volume.

Imports from abroad totaled $8.779 billion, while sales to the domestic market reached $4.043 billion. During the same period, purchases from the domestic market amounted to $3.269 billion.

Officials emphasize that free zones are expected to gain even greater importance in the coming period in terms of export-led growth, production, and attracting foreign investment.