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Turkey exports by country reached record highs in 2024, with Germany, the U.S., the U.K., Iraq, and Italy standing out as the biggest buyers. These countries shaped a broad and balanced export market, with goods ranging from cars and steel to clothing, chemicals, and farm products.
But what do these trade numbers really say about Turkey’s strength and changing export plans?
Overview of Turkey export by country: How much was Turkey's total export in 2024?
Turkey closed 2024 with a historic achievement in its foreign trade performance.
The country’s exports reached US$262 billion, setting a new all-time high and marking the fourth consecutive year of record growth. Despite a turbulent global environment, this steady upward trajectory underscores Turkey’s growing role as a resilient trading nation.
The strength of exports also helped ease the pressure on trade balances. The government newspaper, Daily Sabah, reported that the foreign trade deficit narrowed from $106.3 billion in 2023 to $82.2 billion in 2024, a reduction of nearly one-quarter. At the same time, the export-to-import coverage ratio improved to 76.1%, compared to 70.6% the previous year. This improvement signals that Turkey is covering more of its import needs with export revenues, a trend that supports greater economic stability.
The same newspaper further evidently supports these overall gains through performance across different regions.
- Exports to the European Union, Turkey’s largest market, rose by 4.2% to $108.7 billion. This is significant considering the negative outlook in Germany, the EU’s biggest economy, and Turkey’s main trading partner.
- Trade with members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) increased by 6.1% to $70.1 billion, reflecting stronger ties with Middle Eastern and Asian markets.
- The fastest growth came from the Organization of Turkic States, where exports surged 12.9% to $11.1 billion, showing Turkey’s success in opening up new markets beyond its traditional partners.
Turkey’s success in tapping new buyers across the EU and Türkiye States proves how quickly trade routes can shift.
Book a demo with TradeInt to learn how to leverage the latest Turkey trade data 2025 and global trade intelligence solution to check for verified leads, live trade records, and help you make informed supply chain strategies on your next actions.
What are Turkey's Largest Exports?
According to TradeInt’s Turkey trade data 2025, during the second half of 2024, Turkey’s exports were led by vehicles and automotive parts, followed by machinery and equipment. Electrical devices and mineral fuels also played a strong role, while sectors like precious stones, plastics, steel, and garments highlighted Turkey’s diverse manufacturing and industrial base.
- Vehicles and their parts (HS 87) – 19.01 billion USD
- Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery (HS 84) – 14.99 billion USD
- Electrical equipment, motors, sound & video devices (HS 85) – 9.93 billion USD
- Mineral fuels and oils (HS 27) – 8.75 billion USD
| No. | Products | Export Value (US$) | Top HS Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vehicles and their parts (HS 87) | 16,724,532,998 | 8703 |
| 2 | Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery (HS 84) | 13,218,466,808 | 8418 |
| 3 | Electrical equipment, motors, sound & video devices (HS 85) | 8,727,493,428 | 8544 |
| 4 | Mineral fuels and oils (HS 27) | 7,419,301,192 | 2710 |
| 5 | Precious stones, pearls, metals, coins (HS 71) | 🔒 Unlock Turkey trade records | 🔒 Unlock Turkey trade records |
| 6 | Plastics and products (HS 39) | 🔒 Unlock Turkey trade records | 🔒 Unlock Turkey trade records |
| 7 | Knitted or crocheted garments (HS 61) | 🔒 Unlock Turkey trade records | 🔒 Unlock Turkey trade records |
| 8 | Steel (HS 72) | 🔒 Unlock Turkey trade records | 🔒 Unlock Turkey trade records |
| 9 | Steel products (HS 73) | 🔒 Unlock Turkey trade records | 🔒 Unlock Turkey trade records |
| 10 | Garments, not knitted or crocheted (HS 62) | 🔒 Unlock Turkey trade records | 🔒 Unlock Turkey trade records |
Placed against the backdrop of regional conflicts, protectionist trade measures, and inflationary pressures, these results carry even more weight. The Russia-Ukraine war and other geopolitical tensions continued to disrupt supply chains, while global demand slowed, particularly in Europe.
Still, Turkey managed not only to maintain it but also to expand its export capacity. The resilience of its exporters, combined with government strategies to diversify markets and reduce reliance on the Eurozone, played a central role.
To have a deeper analysis of each exporting category of Turkey, how they currently perform, and what their developing trends are.
💡 See the full list in the article about Turkey export products list 2024 to discover more.
Which Country Does Turkey Export the Most?
According to TradeInt‘s global trade database and the Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT) in 2024, Turkey’s top exports were led by motor vehicle parts and accessories, jewelry and gold, petroleum oils, and nuclear machinery. Germany (USD 19.91B), the United States (USD 16.11B), and the United Kingdom (USD 15.19B) were the largest destinations, followed by Iraq and Italy. Key products included vehicles, jewelry, petroleum, turbojet engines, flour, and baked goods. These flows highlight Turkey’s strength in automotive, energy, precious metals, and industrial machinery within global trade.
Turkey Key Exports by Country, 2024:
- Germany – USD 19.91B
- Top Exports: Motor vehicle parts & accessories, passenger cars, nuclear machinery.
- Key Economic Note: Automotive and machinery exports dominate trade with Germany.
- United States – USD 16.11B
- Top Exports: Jewelry & gold, petroleum oils, turbojet and turboprop engines.
- Key Economic Note: Strong in energy, aerospace, and precious metals trade.
- United Kingdom – USD 15.19B
- Top Exports: Motor vehicle parts, passenger cars, and gold.
- Key Economic Note: Automotive supply chain and gold exports are critical for UK demand.
- Iraq – USD 12.77B
- Top Exports: Jewelry & gold, wheat flour, bread & pastries.
- Key Economic Note: Food staples and precious metals are central to Iraq’s trade flows.
- Italy – USD 12.74B
- Top Exports: Motor vehicle parts, petroleum oils, freight motor vehicles.
- Key Economic Note: Automotive and energy exports anchor Turkey–Italy trade.
| Rank | Country | Value (USD Billion) | Top 3 Export Product Categories | Top 3 HS Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Germany | 19.91 |
1. Parts and accessories of motor vehicles 2. Motor vehicles mainly used to carry people 3. Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, mechanical appliances and their parts |
1. 8708 2. 8703 3. 8409 |
| 2 | United States | 16.11 |
1. Jewelry, gold and silverware and other products 2. Petroleum and oils 3. Turbojet engines, turboprop engines and other gas turbine |
1. 7113 2. 2710 3. 8411 |
| 3 | United Kingdom | 15.19 |
1. Parts and accessories of motor vehicles 2. Motor vehicles mainly used to carry people 3. Gold (including platinum-plated gold) |
1. 8704 2. 8703 3. 7108 |
| 4 | Iraq | 12.77 |
1. Jewelry, gold and silverware and other products 2. Fine flour of wheat or mixed wheat 3. Bread, pastries, biscuits and other baked pastries |
1. 7113 2. 1101 3. 1905 |
| 5 | Italy | 12.74 |
1. Parts and accessories of motor vehicles 2. Petroleum and oils 3. Freight motor vehicles |
1. 8703 2. 2710 3. 8704 |
#Top 1 Export Country: Germany - USD $20.43 billion
Germany remains Turkey’s largest trading partner, with exports led by the automotive sector. From vehicle parts and engines to apparel, Turkey’s shipments reflect both industrial demand and consumer-driven trends:
- Parts and accessories of motor vehicles – US$800.56 million
- HS Code: 8708
- Key Economic Note: Demand for auto parts stays strong as Germany balances EV transition with aging vehicle fleets.
- Freight motor vehicles – US$637.52 million
- HS Code: 8704
- Key Economic Note: Freight vehicle imports rise on e-commerce growth and logistics demand despite diesel-to-EV shift.
- Motor vehicles mainly used to carry people – US$566.53 million
- HS Code: 8703
- Key Economic Note: Passenger car imports grow as domestic OEMs prioritize EVs while consumers favor SUVs and premium cars.
- Parts dedicated or mainly used for engines – US$529.70 million
- HS Code: 8409
- Key Economic Note: Engine parts demand holds steady as German automakers invest in cleaner combustion tech alongside EV development.
- Knitted or crocheted T-shirts – US$284.59 million
- HS Code: 6109
- Key Economic Note: T-shirt imports remain resilient, supported by Germany’s fast-fashion retail sector and consumer preference for affordable apparel.
| Rank | Top 5 Export Product Categories | Value (USD Million) | Top HS Code | Recent economic trends |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Parts and accessories of motor vehicles | $800.56 | 8708 | Demand for auto parts stays strong as Germany balances EV transition with aging vehicle fleets. |
| 2 | Freight motor vehicles | $637.52 | 8704 | Freight vehicle imports rise on e-commerce growth and logistics demand despite diesel-to-EV shift. |
| 3 | Motor vehicles mainly used to carry people | $566.53 | 8703 | Passenger car imports grow as domestic OEMs prioritize EVs while consumers favor SUVs and premium cars. |
| 4 | Parts dedicated or mainly used for engines | $529.70 | 8409 | Engine parts demand holds steady as German automakers invest in cleaner combustion technologies alongside EV development |
| 5 | Knitted or crocheted T-shirts | $284.59 | 6109 | T-shirt imports remain resilient, supported by Germany’s fast-fashion retail sector and consumer preference for affordable apparel |
In fact, 41% of Turkey’s exports went to the EU, with Germany accounting for the largest share. With that being said, the overall bilateral trade volume reached a record US$47.5 billion, confirming Germany as a cornerstone of Turkey’s international trade.
The export structure highlights the diversity of Turkey’s sales to Germany. In 2024, the leading categories included:
- Clothing and accessories
- Land transportation vehicles
- Engine and vehicle parts
- Textile fibers and related products
These sectors represent Turkey’s traditional industrial strengths, particularly in textiles, while also showcasing its expanding capacity in automotive and machinery. In addition, Turkey’s dried fruit and related product exports to Germany reached US$247.3 million.
Most notably, it is the world’s largest producer of boron, holding about 70% of global reserves and meeting 98% of EU demand. Boron is strategically vital for industries such as defense, aerospace, nanotechnology, and automotive engineering.
For Germany, this makes Turkey an indispensable partner in securing supply chains. Alongside this, Turkey steel exports by country also reflect Turkey’s contribution to the German automotive and construction sectors, underscoring that exports are not limited to consumer goods but extend to strategic industrial inputs.
Between 2005 and 2024, Germany invested US$12.8 billion in Turkey, according to Central Bank data, while Turkish investments in Germany reached US$4.2 billion.
Looking ahead, both governments have set the ambitious goal of raising bilateral trade to US$60 billion in the near future. The focus is expected to shift toward green transformation, supply chain resilience, and defense cooperation, showing how the relationship is expanding beyond traditional export sectors into strategic industries.
#Top 2 Export Country: United States - USD $16.7 billion
The U.S. remains one of Turkey’s largest trade partners, with exports spanning luxury goods, aerospace, automotive parts, home furnishings, and energy. More specifically:
- Jewelry, gold and silverware and other products – US$432.45 million
- HS Code: 7113
- Key Economic Note: Jewelry imports remain steady, driven by luxury spending and consistent gold demand.
- Turbojet engines, turboprop engines and other gas turbine – US$385.62 million
- HS Code: 8411
- Key Economic Note: Jet engine imports rise as U.S. airlines modernize fleets and defense spending supports aerospace demand.
- Parts and accessories of motor vehicles – US$318.27 million
- HS Code: 8708
- Key Economic Note: Auto parts imports remain important amid strong vehicle maintenance needs and EV supply chain shifts.
- Woven Carpets – US$311.49 million
- HS Code: 5702
- Key Economic Note: Carpet imports stay steady, driven by home renovation trends and U.S. housing market demand.
- Petroleum and Oils – US$292.17 million
- HS Code: 2710
- Key Economic Note: Petroleum product imports fluctuate with energy price cycles and U.S. refining capacity needs.
| Rank | Top 5 Export Product Categories | Value (USD Million) | Top HS Code | Recent economic trends |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jewelry, gold and silverware and other products | $432.45 | 7113 | Jewelry imports remain steady, driven by luxury spending and consistent gold demand |
| 2 | Turbojet engines, turboprop engines and other gas turbine | $385.62 | 8411 | Jet engine imports rise as U.S. airlines modernize fleets and defense spending supports aerospace demand |
| 3 | Parts and accessories of motor vehicles | $318.27 | 8708 | Auto parts imports remain important amid strong vehicle maintenance needs and EV supply chain shifts. |
| 4 | Woven Carpets | $311.49 | 5702 | Carpet imports stay steady, driven by home renovation trends and U.S. housing market demand |
| 5 | Petroleum and Oils | $292.17 | 2710 | Petroleum product imports fluctuate with energy price cycles and U.S. refining capacity needs |
Notably, Turkey steel exports by country recorded an impressive achievement, with US$627.8 million directed to the U.S despite tariff barriers, along with the exports of fruits and vegetables to the U.S. reaching US$429.4 million, ranked 16th among U.S. agricultural export markets.
On one hand, the increase in tariffs on Turkish goods will directly raise costs for Turkish exporters in automotive, textiles, and steel. Experts forecast this is likely to slow export growth to the U.S. in the short term and may trigger contractions in these industries, which together form a substantial portion of Turkey exports by country.
However, the relatively moderate tariff rate still places Turkey in a more favorable position compared with countries like China, which face tariffs above 40%. This could allow Turkish exporters to maintain competitiveness or even gain market share in certain sectors by being a lower-cost alternative.
The effect will therefore vary by sector: while Turkey steel exports by country and textiles may struggle, chemicals, machinery, and diversified agricultural exports could be less affected.
Steel remains one of the most traded commodities worldwide, with competition spanning across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. As mentioned, Turkey has also built a strong presence in this sector, with the U.S. ranking among its key buyers.
🔍 To see how Turkey compares with other global leaders, explore the top 10 steel exporting countries in the world, which outlines the nations shaping international steel flows and influencing supply chains worldwide.
#Top 3 Export Country: United Kingdom - USD $16.7 billion
In 2024, trade in goods between Turkey and the United Kingdom reached €13.5 billion (~$15.6 billion), led by strong exports of textiles, machinery, and vehicles, the UK Department for Business & Trade reported.
Despite some fluctuations, bilateral trade continued to grow, with the total volume estimated at €22 billion (~$25.5 billion), a figure approaching the €26 billion target.
Turkey’s exports to the UK span a diverse range of products. The leading categories in 2024 were:
- Parts and accessories of motor vehicles – US$917.17 million
- HS Code: 8704
- Key Economic Note: Auto parts imports stay strong as the UK balances EV adoption with maintenance of older fleets.
- Petroleum and oils – US$762.34 million
- HS Code: 2710
- Key Economic Note: Petroleum imports fluctuate with energy price shifts and the UK’s refining and storage needs.
- Motor vehicles mainly used to carry people – US$665.51 million
- HS Code: 8703
- Key Economic Note: Passenger vehicle imports remain steady as UK consumers favor SUVs and electrified models.
- Gold (including platinum-plated gold) – US$553.38 million
- HS Code: 7108
- Key Economic Note: Gold imports reflect investor demand and London’s role as a global trading hub.
- Insulated wires, cables and other insulated electrical conductors – US$413.48 million
- HS Code: 8544
- Key Economic Note: Wire and cable imports support infrastructure upgrades and renewable energy projects.
| Rank | Top 5 Export Product Categories | Value (USD Million) | Top HS Code | Recent economic trends |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Parts and accessories of motor vehicles | $917.17 | 8704 | Auto parts imports stay strong as UK balances EV adoption with maintenance of older fleets |
| 2 | Petroleum and oils | $762.34 | 2710 | Petroleum imports fluctuate with energy price shifts and the UK’s refining and storage needs |
| 3 | Motor vehicles mainly used to carry people | $665.51 | 8703 | Passenger vehicle imports remain steady as UK consumers favor SUVs and electrified models |
| 4 | Gold (including platinum-plated gold) | $553.38 | 7108 | Gold imports reflect investor demand and London’s role as a global trading hub |
| 5 | Insulated wires, cables and other insulated electrical conductors | $413.48 | 8544 | Wire and cable imports support infrastructure upgrades and renewable energy projects |
#Top 4 Export Country: Iraq - USD $13.4 billion
Turkey – Iraq trade held a firm place in Turkey exports by country in 2024. Exports to Iraq reached US$13.034 billion, ranking 4th among Turkey’s top export countries.
- Furniture, bedding, mattresses, spring mattresses and parts – US$197.75 million
- HS Code: 9403
- Key Economic Note: Furniture imports grow with Iraq’s urban housing demand and retail expansion.
- Cereals, grain flour, starch or milk products; pastries – US$196.73 million
- HS Code: 1905
- Key Economic Note: Cereal and bakery imports stay high as Iraq relies on staple food inflows.
- Fresh, cold and frozen meat and edible offal – US$155.21 million
- HS Code: 0207
- Key Economic Note: Meat imports rise with population growth and limited domestic livestock supply.
- Jewelry, gold and silverware and other products – US$153.33 million
- HS Code: 7113
- Key Economic Note: Jewelry imports supported by cultural demand for gold in weddings and savings.
- Sunflower oil, safflower oil or cottonseed oil and their fractions – US$138.54 million
- HS Code: 1512
- Key Economic Note: Vegetable oil imports remain strong due to dietary preferences and food industry needs
| Rank | Top 5 Export Product Categories | Value (USD Million) | Top HS Code | Recent economic trends |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Furniture; bedding, mattresses, spring mattresses and parts | $197.75 | 9403 | Furniture imports grow with Iraq’s urban housing demand and retail expansion |
| 2 | Cereals, grain flour, starch or milk products; pastries | $196.73 | 1905 | Cereal and bakery imports stay high as Iraq relies on staple food inflows. |
| 3 | Fresh, cold and frozen meat and edible offal | $155.21 | 207 | Meat imports rise with population growth and limited domestic livestock supply. |
| 4 | Jewelry, gold and silverware and other products | $153.33 | 7113 | Jewelry imports supported by cultural demand for gold in weddings and savings. |
| 5 | Sunflower oil, safflower oil or cottonseed oil and their fractions | $138.54 | 1512 | Vegetable oil imports remain strong due to dietary preferences and food industry needs. |
| Year | Export Value (USD Billion) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 13.75 |
| 2023 | 12.76 |
| 2024 | 13.03 |
As Turkey strengthens its role in agricultural and animal product exports, businesses can benefit from understanding where global beef demand is concentrated.
💡 Check the full breakdown of the top 10 largest beef-importing countries in the world.
Noteably, Turkey’s animal food exports rose by 10.8% to US$3.86 billion, accounting for 1.7% of the nation’s total exports of $262 billion, Tridge reported. Furthermore, the composition of Turkey’s exports to Iraq reflects everyday consumption and construction demand rather than heavy industry.
Early 2025 momentum supports the same pattern, where the ministry’s data showcases January–July exports totaled US$5.7 billion (+4% YoY), including:
- US$1.54 billion in grains/vegetables/oils
- $646 million in furniture/paper/wood
One of the key factors contributing to strong export growth is geography.
Much of the flow is enabled by the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), where roughly 1/3 of all registered foreign companies are Turkish, and Turkey–KRG trade exceeds US$1 billion per month. This commercial base serves as a logistics and distribution hub feeding wider Iraqi markets.
The country also stated a promising future outlook, where Ankara targets $15 billion in exports to Iraq in the near term and $20 billion by 2030, held by the Development Road Project.
Diversifying beyond food and household goods toward higher-value industrial supplies will help sustain growth as competition from Iran and Gulf suppliers intensifies and Iraq’s domestic dynamics shift.
#Top 5 Export Country: Italy - USD $12.93 billion
Italy ranked as the fifth-largest destination for Turkey exports by country in 2024, underlining the strength of commercial ties between the two Mediterranean partners, according to TradeInt’s latest global trade database 2025.
According to the Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Turkish exports to Italy totaled US$12.93 billion, within a bilateral trade volume of $32.24 billion. This placed Italy firmly among the Turkey’s main export countries, confirming its importance in Ankara’s export strategy.
TradeInt also pointed out the top Turkey export categories to Italy with the highest value in May 2025 alone, including:
- Jewelry, gold and silverware and other products – US$704.20 million
- HS Code: 8703
- Key Economic Note: Jewelry imports remain steady, supported by luxury retail and cultural demand for gold.
- Fine flour of wheat or mixed wheat – US$347.10 million
- HS Code: 8704
- Key Economic Note: Wheat flour imports stay high as Italy balances local production with food industry needs.
- Other nuts, fresh or dried, whether or not shelled or peeled – US$316.63 million
- HS Code: 0802
- Key Economic Note: Nut imports rise with Mediterranean diets and demand from confectionery producers.
- Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel – US$270.47 million
- HS Code: 7208
- Key Economic Note: Steel product imports fluctuate with construction demand and EU manufacturing cycles.
- Petroleum and oils – US$241.30 million
- HS Code: 2710
- Key Economic Note: Petroleum imports reflect Italy’s refining capacity and energy diversification requirements.
| Rank | Top 3 Export Product Categories | Value (USD Million) |
Top HS Code | Recent economic trends |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jewelry, gold and silverware and other products | $704.20 | 8703 | Jewelry imports remain steady, supported by luxury retail and cultural demand for gold. |
| 2 | Fine flour of wheat or mixed wheat | $347.10 | 8704 | Wheat flour imports stay high as Italy balances local production with food industry needs. |
| 3 | Other nuts, fresh or dried, whether or not shelled or peeled | $316.63 | 0802 | Nut imports rise with Mediterranean diets and demand from confectionery producers. |
| 4 | Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel | $270.47 | 7208 | Steel product imports fluctuate with construction demand and EU manufacturing cycles. |
| 5 | Petroleum and oils | $241.30 | 2710 | Petroleum imports reflect Italy’s refining capacity and energy diversification requirements. |
The leather goods alone reached US$88.7 million in 2024, up slightly from the previous year.
Steel stood out as one of the fastest-growing categories.
In early 2025, the GMK Center announced that Turkish steel exports to Italy surged 25% year-on-year to $374 million in the first four months, with the industry aiming for $1 billion in steel exports to Italy by the end of the year. This growth highlights Italy’s growing role in the overall picture of turkey steel exports by country.
Italy’s role is further supported by long-standing frameworks such as the EU–Türkiye Customs Union, which has simplified industrial trade since 1996. While some exceptions remain, especially for steel and processed agricultural products, the agreement keeps Italy consistently ranked among Turkey top export countries.
Conclusion
Looking at the Turkey rice exports by country market in 2024, the country reveals a country balancing strength with vulnerability.
Germany remains the anchor market, driving demand for industrial goods, while the U.S. highlights the risks of tariffs even as chemicals and steel find buyers. Iraq continues to absorb essential consumer products, proving the resilience of regional ties. Yet, what stands out most is Turkey’s deliberate diversification, from deepening trade with the EU to strengthening links with the OIC and Turkic States, signaling a strategic pivot toward broader economic influence.
For exporters, this landscape offers two lessons.
First, no single market is stable forever, as political shifts and price volatility can upend even the strongest partnerships. Second, growth depends on reading the signals of where new demand will emerge before others catch on.
That’s where TradeInt stands out.
With access to 8 billion+ transaction records, 450 million+ company contacts, and customs coverage in 80+ countries, exporters can move beyond surface-level trends and act on verified insights. From monitoring buyer activity and uncovering new prospects to tracking competitors and expanding your customer base, TradeInt brings together the scale of 70 million+ companies, making us your next trusted source for global trade intelligence.
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