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Turkey import products list has been dominated by energy categories like mineral fuels and machinery, with key trade partners including China, Germany, and Russia. But what drives this heavy reliance? How strong is the country’s demand for these essential imports, and why do they consistently make up such a large share of Turkey’s trade bill?
What are Turkey's top imports?
In the first half of 2025, Turkey import product list reflected both a slowdown in demand and persistent structural dependencies, according to TradeInt’s Turkey trade data.
Energy was the single largest expense, while machinery, vehicles, and electrical equipment highlighted the country’s reliance on foreign industrial inputs to sustain its manufacturing sector. Precious metals, steel, and plastics further showed the importance of raw and intermediate goods in meeting domestic production needs.
- Mineral Fuels (HS 27): US$31.59B (17.53%) – Crude oil and petroleum products.
- Machinery (HS 84): US$19.92B (11.05%) – Boilers, reactors, and mechanical appliances.
- Vehicles (HS 87): US$17.72B (9.83%) – Passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
- Precious Metals & Stones (HS 71): US$14.38B (7.98%) – Gold, jewelry, and related products.
- Electrical Equipment (HS 85): US$14.09B (7.82%) – Motors, electronics, and telecommunications devices.
- Steel (HS 72): US$11.18B (6.21%) – Raw and semi-finished steel.
| Rank | Top HS Code | Product Category | Value (US$) | Share of Total Imports |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 27 | Mineral fuels, mineral oils, distillation products, bituminous substances, waxes | 31,589,640,563 | 17.53% |
| 2 | 84 | Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, mechanical appliances and parts | 19,919,373,546 | 11.05% |
| 3 | 87 | Vehicles and their parts and accessories (except railway/tramway) | 17,722,561,228 | 9.83% |
| 4 | 71 | Pearls, precious stones, precious metals, imitation jewelry, coins | 14,380,743,577 | 7.98% |
| 5 | 85 | Motors, electrical equipment, sound/image recorders and playback equipment | 14,087,572,115 | 7.82% |
| 6 | 72 | Steel | 11,183,312,988 | 6.21% |
| 7 | 39 | Plastics and plastic products | 🔒 Unlock Turkey Import Data | 🔒 Unlock Turkey Import Data |
| 8 | 29 | Organic compounds | 🔒 Unlock Turkey Import Data | 🔒 Unlock Turkey Import Data |
| 9 | 74 | Copper and copper products | 🔒 Unlock Turkey Import Data | 🔒 Unlock Turkey Import Data |
| 10 | 90 | Optical, photographic, medical, precision instruments and parts | 🔒 Unlock Turkey Import Data | 🔒 Unlock Turkey Import Data |
| Data Source: TradeInt | ||||
Looking at the Turkey import products list for 2024, energy clearly dominates as the single largest category, reflecting the country’s structural reliance on foreign fuel supplies. Alongside energy, Türkiye also imports a wide range of industrial and consumer goods, including machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, and precious metals.
These categories highlight how the country depends on imports not only to meet its energy needs but also to sustain manufacturing, support infrastructure, and satisfy consumer demand.
So, why does this happen?
- Insufficient Domestic Supply
Türkiye produces only a small fraction of the oil and natural gas it consumes. Local resources are not enough to meet national demand, so the country must rely heavily on imports from partners such as Russia, Azerbaijan, and the Middle East. This structural shortage explains why energy consistently tops the Turkey import products list.
- Support for Key Industries
Energy is critical for keeping industries running, from power generation and transportation to manufacturing and construction. Other imported raw materials like steel, plastics, and chemicals also play important roles, but they all depend on steady energy supplies. Without energy imports, Türkiye’s manufacturing and automotive sectors could not operate at the scale needed for both domestic and export markets.
- Meeting Consumer Demand
A growing population and a rapidly developing economy create constant demand for imported goods, especially fuel, cars, electronics, and household products. Energy consumption per household is rising, and this, combined with industrial needs, keeps demand for imported fuels at the center of Türkiye’s trade.
- Trade Liberalization and Agreements
Türkiye’s membership in the World Trade Organization and free trade deals with the European Union and other blocs lower barriers to imports. These agreements encourage smoother access to global markets and make it easier for Türkiye to secure energy supplies at competitive prices, alongside other industrial goods.
- Strategic Location and Growth
Finally, Türkiye’s position as a regional trade hub strengthens its role in global trade. Imports of oil, natural gas, and industrial products fuel not only domestic consumption but also economic activity that connects Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. This dynamic growth locks energy imports in as a permanent feature of the country’s economy.
🌎 Turkey imports play brings massive value to the country. But it isn’t the biggest or most profitable sector in Turkey’s overall trade market, even far beyond import in the current year of 2025.
What is the biggest contributor to Turkey’s trade market? How is this country performing in 2025 in global trade? Read this article about the latest supply chain insights into Turkish trade.
Who are Turkey's major trade partners?
Turkey import market overview in 2024
According to TradeInt’s global trade database, in 2024, Turkey’s top import partners were led by China (US$44.01B, 12.88%) and Russia (US$43.95b, 12.86%), reflecting strong reliance on energy, electronics, and machinery. Other key suppliers included Germany (US$26.97B, 7.89%), Italy (US$19.24B, 7.89%) and the United States (US$16.06B, 4.70%), supporting Turkey’s industrial base, energy security, and technology transfer.
Turkey’s Top Trade Partners for Imports, 2024
- China – US$44.01B (12.88%): Largest source of imports, strong trade in electronics, machinery, and textiles; rising investment in EVs, batteries, and infrastructure.
- Russia – US$43.95B (12.86%): Key supplier of natural gas, coal, and oil; expanding cooperation in agriculture, metals, and tourism despite geopolitical risks.
- Germany – US$26.97B (7.89%): Leading EU partner with strong ties in automotive, machinery, and chemicals; significant technology transfer and investments.
- Italy – US$19.24B (5.63%): Major partner in vehicles, machinery, and metals; active collaboration in infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.
- United States – US$16.06B (4.70%): Broad trade in aerospace, chemicals, and defense; U.S. companies steadily increasing investment in Turkey.
- France – US$12.41B (3.63%): Diverse trade relations across automotive, aerospace, retail, and energy, strengthening bilateral cooperation.
| Rank | Country | Country Economic Relationship | Import Value (US$) | Share of Total Imports | Top 3 Traded Product Categories |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | Largest source of imports. Strong trade in electronics, machinery, textiles. Rising investments in EV, batteries, infrastructure. | 44,016,444,051 | 12.88% | 1. Telephones 2. Mechanical Appliances 3. Steel |
| 2 | Russia | Key energy supplier for natural gas, coal, and oil. Expanding cooperation in agriculture, metals, and tourism, supported by renewed economic protocols. | 43,956,760,959 | 12.86% | 1. Mineral fuels, Mineral Oils 2. Steel 3. Wheat and mixed wheat |
| 3 | Germany | Turkey’s top EU trading partner with strong links in automotive, machinery, and chemicals. Significant investment and technology transfer. | 26,970,026,400 | 7.89% | 1. Vehicles & Parts 2. Engine Parts 3. Electrical Equipment |
| 4 | Italy | Major partner in vehicles, machinery, and metals. Strong collaboration in automotive, infrastructure, and manufacturing. | 19,249,004,871 | 5.63% | 1. Jewelry, Gold, Silverware 2. Mechanical Appliances 3. Vehicles & Parts |
| 5 | United States | Broad trade ties in aerospace, chemicals, and defense. US companies are steadily expanding investment. | 16,063,239,384 | 4.70% | 1. Mechanical Appliances 2. Steel 3. Mineral Fuels & Oils |
| 6 | France | Diverse partnership spanning automotive, retail, energy, and aerospace. | 12,417,258,638 | 3.63% | 1. Vehicles & Parts 2. Aircraft & Spacecraft 3. Mechanical Appliances |
| 7 | Switzerland | Trade centers on gold, chemicals, and watches, with Turkish exports in textiles and autos. | 🔒 Unlock Turkey Import Data | 🔒 Unlock Turkey Import Data | 🔒 Unlock Turkey Import Data |
| 8 | Spain | Strong ties in vehicles, fruit, and iron/steel. Notable investments in banking, telecom, and energy sectors. | 🔒 Unlock Turkey Import Data | 🔒 Unlock Turkey Import Data | 🔒 Unlock Turkey Import Data |
| 9 | South Korea | Key partner in machinery, electronics, and autos. | 🔒 Unlock Turkey Import Data | 🔒 Unlock Turkey Import Data | 🔒 Unlock Turkey Import Data |
| 10 | United Arab Emirates | Vital hub for re-exports, gold, jewelry, oil, and logistics. | 🔒 Unlock Turkey Import Data | 🔒 Unlock Turkey Import Data | 🔒 Unlock Turkey Import Data |
In particular, throughout 2024, nearly 70% of Turkey’s imports were intermediate goods, which are critical inputs for sustaining domestic manufacturing and industrial output:
- Capital goods accounted for around 15%, reflecting investment in machinery and equipment
- Consumption goods represented just under 16%, showing a more limited share of imports directed to household and retail demand.
💡 Although China dominated turkey’s top import partner in 2024, Turkey’s export, in the same year, showcased an opposite image where China isn’t made to the top 10 list.
Read more about Turkey Export Product Lists and partners in 2024 for more insights.
When looking at the Turkey import goods in 2024, manufacturing products made up more than 81% of the total, and about 11% of these were high-technology items, reported by the Turkey Statistical Institute. This shows that the country relies heavily on advanced foreign technology and industrial products to keep its industries running. While this reliance helps maintain competitiveness, it also points to a gap in Turkey’s ability to produce such technology on its own.
Even though imports declined overall in 2024, the monthly data for December tells a different story.
In that month, imports rose by more than 11% compared to December 2023, which caused the monthly trade deficit to grow by almost 38%. Most of this increase came from the intermediate list of the products that Turkey imports, which made up over two-thirds of total imports. This highlights once again that Turkey’s economy depends strongly on foreign inputs to support its production.
Overall, Turkey’s import market in 2024 showed signs of improvement but also revealed ongoing challenges.
Yet at the same time, Turkey’s strong dependence on intermediary and high-tech list of the Turkey import product list leaves it vulnerable to disruptions in global supply chains. Its reliance on a small group of suppliers, particularly China and Russia, also makes the country sensitive to geopolitical tensions and energy market risks.
#Top 1 Turkey Trade Partners: China
TradeInt‘s latest Turkey trade database revealed that Türkiye’s imports from China reached US$44.9 billion during January–December 2024, making China the single largest supplier of goods to the Turkish market. Imports were driven primarily by electronics, machinery, vehicles, and chemical products reflecting Türkiye’s reliance on Chinese industrial and consumer goods.
Major traded commodities between Turkey and China, 2024:
- Telephones – US$11.30B
Economic forecast: Demand is expected to remain strong as Turkey’s digital economy continues to expand, although Asian competition may put pressure on prices.
- Mechanical Appliances – US$10.35B
Economic forecast: Growth supported by Turkey’s industrial upgrades, but EU-aligned tariffs could affect import pace.
- Steel – US$3.27B
Economic forecast: Imports may soften with domestic recovery, yet Chinese low-cost supplies dominate.
- Vehicles & Parts – US$3.19B
Economic forecast: Likely to rise with EV and hybrid demand; EU-China trade tensions may impact Turkey’s market.
- Organic Compounds – US$2.42B
Economic forecast: Steady demand driven by pharmaceuticals and chemicals, though volatility in global inputs poses risks.
| Rank | Product Categories | Import Value (US$) | Top HS Code | Economic Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Telephone | $11.30B | 8517 | Demand to remain resilient in 2025 as Turkey’s digital economy expands, though price competition from alternative Asian suppliers could pressure margins. |
| 2 | Mechanical Appliances | $10.35B | 8471 | Growth expected with Turkey’s manufacturing upgrades; however, new EU-aligned tariffs may slow import pace. |
| 3 | Steel | $3.27B | 7208 | Imports may soften as domestic steel production recovers, but Chinese low-cost exports will continue to dominate. |
| 4 | Vehicles & Parts | $3.19B | 8703 | Imports likely to rise with consumer demand for EVs and hybrids; risk of EU-China trade disputes spilling into Turkey’s market. |
| 5 | Organic Compounds | $2.42B | 2917 | Stable growth tied to pharmaceuticals and chemicals, though global input cost volatility remains a key risk. |
Turkey–China trade relations in 2024–2025 reflect both opportunity and rising tensions.
Over the past decade, ties have strengthened through initiatives like Turkey’s involvement in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affair announced, which positions Turkey as a strategic transit hub linking Asia with Europe and the Middle East.
In fact, China has become one of Turkey’s largest trading partners, with investments amounting to approximately US$5 billion as of 2024, primarily in energy, infrastructure, and transportation, while trade volumes continue to expand. Beyond economics, cultural and educational cooperation, such as student exchanges and tourism agreements, further deepen the bilateral relationship.
However, 2024 also highlighted challenges.
Turkey imposed a 40% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) to protect its domestic car industry and support the launch of its own EV brand, TOGG. This led to China filing a complaint at the WTO, accusing Turkey of unfair trade practices.
The dispute underscores the delicate balance between cooperation and competition: Turkey values Chinese investment and imports but is wary of over dependence in key sectors.
Looking ahead, the partnership is likely to remain strategically important, but trade frictions, especially in high-growth industries like EVs, show that the relationship is becoming more complex as both countries seek to safeguard their economic and geopolitical interests.
#Top 2 Turkey Trade Partners: Russia
Russia stood as one of Turkey’s top trading partners, with imports from the Russian Federation reaching US$44.02 billion in 2024. In 2024, Turkey’s imports from Russia were dominated by mineral fuels and oils (US$32.29B), underscoring heavy reliance on Russian energy. Other major categories included steel (US$2.68B), wheat (US$1.36B), copper (US$1.20B), and aluminium (US$928.23M). The strong trade flow highlights Turkey’s reliance on Russia for energy and raw materials across construction, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors.
Turkey’s Top Import Products from Russia, 2024:
- Mineral Fuels & Oils – US$32.29B (HS 2710): Energy diversification may limit long-term growth, but Turkey’s short-term dependence on Russian energy remains high.
- Steel – US$2.68B (HS 7207): Imports could slow as Turkey balances Russian supply with EU steel policy pressures.
- Wheat and Mixed Wheat – US$1.36B (HS 1001): Demand remains steady, though Turkey may look to diversify grain imports due to geopolitical risks.
- Copper – US$1.20B (HS 7408): Moderate growth expected, driven by construction and green energy projects.
- Aluminium – US$928.23M (HS 7601): Rising demand from automotive and packaging sectors, though EU carbon border policies may pose challenges.
| Rank | Product Categories | Import Value (US$) | Top HS Code | Economic Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mineral fuels & Oils | $32.29B | 2710 | Energy diversification efforts may cap growth, but near-term reliance remains high. |
| 2 | Steel | $2.68B | 7207 | Imports may stay subdued as Turkey balances between Russian supply and EU steel policy constraints. |
| 3 | Wheat and mixed wheat | $1.36B | 1001 | Demand remains steady, but Turkey may diversify grain imports due to geopolitical risks. |
| 4 | Copper | $1.20B | 7408 | Moderate growth expected, fueled by construction and green energy projects. |
| 5 | Aluminium | $928.23M | 7601 | Rising in demand with automotive and packaging needs, but could face trade restrictions under EU-aligned carbon border policies. |
In 2024, Russia supplied 70% of Turkey’s seaborne crude oil imports and nearly 42% of its natural gas, while the TurkStream pipeline remained Moscow’s largest gas corridor into Europe. Beyond hydrocarbons, Turkey also became the world’s top importer of Russian oil products, refining them in plants like STAR and Tupras before re-exporting to Europe — a channel that has quietly generated billions in revenue for Moscow despite sanctions.
One of the sharpest shifts in Turkey–Russia trade during 2024 came from Turkey’s exports to Russia dropping by 28% in the first half of the year, falling to just US$4.16 billion compared to US$5.8 billion in the same period of 2023. Several factors explain this decline.
- Western sanctions on Russia after the Ukraine war disrupted payment systems and logistics. Turkish companies faced increasing difficulties settling transactions with Russian partners because many Russian banks were cut off from international financial networks. This made even routine trade more complicated and risky.
- Turkey is gradually realigning closer to Western policies. While Ankara tries to keep trade open with Moscow, pressure from the U.S. and EU has led to stricter monitoring of goods that might be considered “dual-use” (civilian products with potential military application). Machinery, electronics, and chemicals — some of Turkey’s key exports to Russia — were directly affected.
- Geopolitical uncertainty has discouraged Turkish exporters themselves. Concerns over future sanctions, tariffs, or reputational damage have made some businesses cautious about deepening ties with Russia. As a result, shipments such as industrial machinery, auto parts, and chemicals slowed significantly in 2024.
Still, Russia’s US$25 billion Akkuyu nuclear project, which is set to meet 10% of Turkey’s electricity demand, underscores the depth of long-term energy ties.
By 2025, Moscow continues to emphasize Turkey as its second-largest trade partner, while both sides reiterate ambitions to raise trade to US$100 billion. Yet, with sanctions tightening and Turkey balancing between East and West, the future of the relationship hinges on whether energy cooperation can outweigh rising geopolitical pressures.
🔍 Besides Turkey, what are the largest importing countries worldwide?
Learn about the Top 10 Largest Importing Countries in the World 2024, where one nation posts nearly four times Turkey’s import value, with electrical machinery leading the trade flows.
#Top 3 Turkey Trade Partners: Germany
In January–December 2024, Germany was Türkiye’s top export partner, with exports totaling $20.43 billion. It was followed by the USA, the UK, Iraq, and Italy, making Germany a key market within Türkiye’s export mix. On the import side, Germany ranked third after China and Russia.
Turkey’s imports from Germany were led by vehicles and parts (US$11.30B) and engine parts (US$10.35B), reinforcing Germany’s role in Turkey’s automotive sector. Other significant imports included electrical equipment (US$2.29B), plastics (US$1.74B), and medicines (US$1.01B), highlighting demand across energy, manufacturing, and healthcare industries.
Turkey’s Top Import Products from Germany, 2024:
- Vehicles & Parts – US$11.30B (HS 8703): Imports projected to expand with strong premium car demand, though local assembly growth may temper reliance.
- Engine Parts – US$10.35B (HS 8409): Stable imports continue to support Türkiye’s automotive sector; long-term outlook tied to EV transition.
- Electrical Equipment – US$2.29B (HS 8502): Growth expected as Türkiye advances renewable energy and industrial automation projects.
- Plastic – US$1.74B (HS 3907): Steady demand, though high energy costs in Germany could raise import prices in 2025.
- Medicines – US$1.01B (HS 3004): Rising healthcare spending expected to boost demand, while Türkiye also seeks to expand local pharmaceutical capacity.
| Rank | Product Categories | Import Value (US$) | Top HS Code | Economic Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vehicles & Parts | $11.30B | 8703 | Imports projected to expand with premium car demand, though local assembly growth may temper reliance. |
| 2 | Engine Parts | $10.35B | 8409 | Stable imports supporting Turkey’s automotive sector; long-term outlook tied to EV transition. |
| 3 | Electrical Equipment | $2.29B | 8502 | Imports set to grow with Turkey’s renewable energy and industrial automation projects. |
| 4 | Plastic | $1.74B | 3907 | Steady demand, though high energy costs in Germany may raise import prices in 2025. |
| 5 | Medicines | $1.01B | 3004 | Growth expected amid rising healthcare spending; seek to boost local pharmaceutical production capacity. |
Germany remains Turkey’s largest trade partner, with bilateral trade reaching US$47.05 billion in 2024. Although this represented a decline from the peak in 2023, the scale of exchange underscores the resilience of the relationship, even amid political frictions.
This slight drop reflects global supply chain adjustments and Turkey’s broader economic headwinds, yet Germany continues to account for a significant share of Turkey’s total exports and imports, anchoring it as the most reliable partner within the European Union.
Foreign direct investment further cements this partnership.
Between 2005 and 2024, Germany invested nearly US$12.8 billion in Turkey, according to the Central Bank data, while Turkish capital in Germany amounted to US$4.2 billion. This two-way investment ensures that trade is not only transactional but also structurally embedded through long-term commitments.
Over 8,000 German firms are active in Turkey, and roughly 80,000 Turkish-German enterprises in Germany contribute US$52 billion in annual turnover, supporting nearly half a million jobs. These enterprises create a dense network of economic interdependence that reinforces trade flows, regardless of short-term fluctuations.
Platforms like JETCO and the German-Turkish Energy Forum have added new dimensions to cooperation, particularly in green technologies and renewable energy. In 2025, these mechanisms, combined with Germany’s role as both Turkey’s largest export market and a stable source of capital inflows, highlight that trade remains the central pillar of their bilateral relationship, enabling growth despite ongoing political challenges.
Conclusion
In 2024, the Turkey import products list was led by mineral fuels, alongside strong demand for machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, and precious metals. This pattern highlights Türkiye’s structural dependence on energy imports to cover domestic shortages and on industrial goods to keep its manufacturing sector moving. Imports eased by 5% during the year, narrowing the trade deficit, but the year-end rebound confirmed that energy and intermediate goods will remain at the core of Türkiye’s import needs.
For importers who want to enter the competitive trade market like Turkey, you need to understand the overall landscape and how to utilize trade data to make informed decisions. TradeInt delivers that by uncovering who Türkiye trades with, the volumes involved, and how sourcing strategies are shifting. We develop an AI-powered trade intelligence platform to turn complex trade flows into clear insights within a snap, giving businesses the knowledge they need to manage risks and stay ahead in a competitive market.
