Turkey Trade with Europe – 2025 Import-Export Analysis

Turkey trade with Europe surged nearly US$200 billion within 7 months of 2025, led by powerful growth in industrial goods, metals, and vehicles. Germany, Italy, and France dominated demand, while Turkish refined fuels and electronics strengthened their footprint across the continent.

In this article, TradeInt analyzed the latest data using real-time intelligence from over 400 million companies and shipment records across 90% of global trade, giving business leaders, traders, and analysts the visibility they need to identify new opportunities and benchmark performance in one of the world’s most dynamic trade corridors. Read now!

Does Turkey trade with EU?

Türkiye–EU trade reveals that Türkiye maintains a large, deeply integrated bilateral trade relationship with the European Union. Between January and July 2025, Türkiye imported roughly US$67.7 billion worth of EU goods and exported about US$67.6 billion, bringing total Türkiye–EU trade to US$135.3 billion over this period. TradeInt’s latest data shows that Türkiye’s imports from the EU were led by mineral fuels (HS 27 – US$19.38B), vehicles (HS 87 – US$16.08B), and machinery & mechanical appliances (HS 84 – US$12.50B), while its exports to the EU were dominated by vehicles (HS 87 – US$18.14B), machinery (HS 84 – US$7.98B), and refined mineral fuels (HS 27 – US$6.48B).

This strong two-way flow reflects decades of policy integration, particularly the 1995 EU–Turkey Customs Union, which removed tariffs on industrial goods and enabled joint supply chains in automobiles, machinery, textiles, appliances, and refined fuels. Over time, European manufacturers positioned Türkiye as a regional production base, while Türkiye relied on EU technologies, industrial inputs, and energy products — shaping today’s balanced import-export structure and high trade volumes.

Trade in goods - EUR billion

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Top 5 Turkish Import Products from the EU:

1. Mineral Fuels and Oils – US$19.38 billion: Energy remains Turkey’s top import category from the EU, largely sourced from countries like Italy and the Netherlands. These imports include refined fuels crucial for Turkey’s industrial and transportation sectors, underscoring its dependence on European energy supply chains.
2. Vehicles and Automotive Parts – US$16.08 billion: The EU supplies high-value automobiles and vehicle components to Turkey, particularly from Germany and France. These imports feed Turkey’s domestic automotive manufacturing industry, supporting local assembly and re-export operations.
3. Machinery and Mechanical Appliances – US$12.50 billion: Germany and Italy are leading suppliers of machinery and industrial equipment, powering Turkey’s construction, textile, and energy sectors. These imports enhance production efficiency and technological modernization.
4. Precious Metals and Jewelry – US$9.58 billion: Precious metals and semi-finished jewelry from Switzerland and Italy play a key role in Turkey’s jewelry and luxury manufacturing industries, which later feed into re-export markets in the Middle East and Asia.
5. Steel and Iron – US$6.71 billion: Steel imports from EU producers are essential for Turkey’s construction and automotive sectors. Despite Turkey being a steel exporter, specialty steel imports support domestic infrastructure and defense manufacturing.

Top 5 Turkish export Products to the EU:

1. Vehicles and Automotive Parts – US$18.14 billion: Automotive goods dominate Turkey’s exports to the EU, particularly to Germany, Italy, and France. Turkey’s auto plants, including Ford Otosan and Oyak Renault, serve as major suppliers within the EU automotive value chains.
2. Machinery and Industrial Equipment – US$7.98 billion: Exported mainly to Germany and Italy, Turkish machinery and mechanical products highlight the country’s growing engineering capabilities and its integration into Europe’s manufacturing systems.
3. Mineral Fuels and Oils – US$6.48 billion: Turkey exports refined petroleum and by-products to the EU, leveraging its advanced refineries in Izmir and Kocaeli. These exports underline Turkey’s role as an energy hub between Europe and the Middle East.
4. Electrical Equipment and Electronics – US$6.05 billion: Turkish exports in this category, such as cables, motors, and home appliances, flow primarily to Germany, France, and Spain, reflecting strong manufacturing partnerships.
5. Textiles and Apparel – US$4.22 billion: As one of the EU’s largest suppliers of textiles, Turkey provides ready-to-wear garments and fabrics to Spain, Italy, and the UK. Its proximity, cost efficiency, and fast delivery make it a vital partner in Europe’s fashion supply chain.

However, the relationship is evolving. While Turkey’s accession negotiations with the EU have stalled since 2005, trade partnership continues to advance through new platforms like the EU–Türkiye High-Level Dialogue on Trade, launched in July 2024 in Brussels. This initiative aims to modernize the Customs Union, address trade barriers, and strengthen collaboration in sustainable development and sanctions enforcement.

Turkey’s active trade network extends well beyond Europe, with 22 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) across regions, yet the EU remains its primary economic anchor. Approximately 41% of Turkey’s exports go to EU member states, and 32.1% of imports originate from the bloc. This deep integration underscores Turkey’s strategic role as a manufacturing and logistics hub bridging Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

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Turkey trade with EU: Who is Turkey's biggest trading partner in the EU?

Germany is Turkey’s largest trading partner within the European Union, recording the highest bilateral trade flows between January and July 2025. During this period, Turkey imported US$17.65 billion worth of goods from Germany and exported US$12.89 billion to Germany, bringing total Türkiye–Germany trade to US$30.54 billion. These figures make Germany the No.1 EU partner for both import and export engagement, contributing significantly to Turkey’s overall EU trade volume of US$135.3 billion from imports and exports.

Germany’s dominance in Turkey’s EU trade is the result oflong-standing industrial, automotive, and machinery supply-chain integration, German FDI in Turkey’s manufacturing sectors, labor mobility between the two countries, and the 1995 EU–Turkey Customs Union, which removed tariffs on most industrial goods.

Top 7 Turkey biggest trading partner in the EU

• Germany – Imports: US$17.6 billion | Exports: US$12.9 billion: Turkey’s largest EU partner, leading in sectors like machinery, vehicles, and goods, strengthened by long-standing supply chains and strong German investment in Turkey’s manufacturing hubs.
• United Kingdom – Imports: US$4.1 billion | Exports: US$9.9 billion: Post-Brexit trade remains robust, driven by textiles, home appliances, and automotive parts from Turkey, while the UK supplies pharmaceuticals and machinery to Turkish industries.
• Italy – Imports: US$9.5 billion | Exports: US$7.7 billion: A balanced partnership built on automotive manufacturing, construction materials, and energy equipment, reflecting close collaboration between the two Mediterranean economies.
• France – Imports: US$7.8 billion | Exports: US$6.3 billion: Trade remains diverse, spanning aerospace, defense, textiles, and consumer goods, supported by deep-rooted business ties and multinational presence in both markets.
• Spain – Imports: US$5.8 billion | Exports: US$6.1 billion: A nearly even trade flow, driven by machinery, iron and steel, and agricultural products, with Spain serving as a vital gateway for Turkish goods into southern Europe.
• Netherlands – Imports: US$3.1 billion | Exports: US$4.7 billion: A key logistics and re-export hub, with Rotterdam facilitating Turkish exports across northern Europe; trade centers on chemicals, metals, and manufactured goods.
• Romania – Imports: US$2.7 billion | Exports: US$5.0 billion: Strong growth in construction materials, metals, and energy equipment, with Romania serving as Turkey’s bridge to eastern and central Europe.

💡*Want to know more on how Turkey is performing in the global trade market at the current time?*Check out TradeInt’s latest analysis and insights on Turkey trade data in 2025.

1. Germany - What does Germany trade with Turkey?

Germany maintains a strong and long-established trading relationship with Turkey, recording roughly US$17.6 billion in imports from Turkey and exporting around US$13 billion worth of goods to Turkey, bringing thetotal Germany–Turkey trade volume to US$30.6 billion in 2025 (Jan–Jul). TradeInt’s latest figures show that Germany’s imports from Turkey are led by vehicles (HS 87 – US$5.26B), machinery and mechanical appliances (HS 84 – US$3.49B), electrical equipment (HS 85 – US$1.48B), and plastics (HS 39 – US$1.04B) — reflecting deeply integrated supply chains in automotive, industrial equipment, electronics, and plastics manufacturing.

Top 8 Germany most traded product with Turkey (Jan-Jul 2025)

• Vehicles and parts (HS 87): US$5,262,918,367 — Turkey’s largest export category to Germany, driven by strong demand for automotive components and assembled vehicles.
• Machinery and mechanical appliances (HS 84): US$3,490,891,323 — Highlights the deep relationship between Turkish and German engineering and industrial supply chains.
• Electrical equipment and electronics (HS 85): US$1,478,010,952 — Reflects Turkey’s growing role in supplying electrical parts and household appliances to the EU market.
• Plastics and plastic products (HS 39): US$1,043,324,732 — Shows the steady rise of Turkey’s chemical and material manufacturing industries.
• Pharmaceuticals (HS 30): US$659,642,681 — Indicates expanding cooperation in healthcare and pharmaceutical trade.
• Optical and medical instruments (HS 90): US$561,960,621 — Driven by exports of precision tools and diagnostic devices.
• Steel (HS 72): US$515,447,670 — Supports Germany’s construction and manufacturing sectors with semi-finished steel goods.
• Jewelry and precious metals (HS 71): US$440,912,735 — Reflects Turkey’s continued export strength in gold, silver, and jewelry production.

What is Germany's relationship with Turkey?

Germany continues to be a key pillar of Turkey’s position within EU trade, not only as its top trading partner but also as a leading investor. Over 8,000 German companies operate in Turkey, and cumulative foreign direct investment exceeds US$12 billion, according to Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, primarily in automotive, energy, finance, and engineering sectors.

Furthermore, the 5th Türkiye–Germany Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO) meeting in Berlin reinforced this alignment. Co-chaired by Turkey’s Trade Minister Ömer Bolat and German Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck, the session addressed trade barriers and explored cooperation in green transformation, logistics, and defense industries.

These talks were supported by the Turkish-German Energy Forum, which focuses on accelerating joint projects in wind, solar, and hydroelectric power sectors where German technology complements Turkey’s manufacturing capabilities.

The two governments have also prioritized strengthening co-production business models, where Turkish factories supply intermediate goods to German manufacturers. This approach is reinforced by sustained diplomatic and business engagement, from presidential visits to participation in European investment summits, positioning Germany as a central force in maintaining EU trade relations with Turkey.

2. Italy - Does Italy have good relations with Turkey?

Yes, TradeInt’s Turkey trade data revealed that Italy is one of Turkey’s top EU partners, with bilateral trade reaching US$17.2 billion in the first seven months of 2025, supported by active bilateral trade, investment cooperation, and shared regional objectives under the EU–Türkiye Customs Union.

Italian investments in Turkey continue to expand across manufacturing, renewable energy, and infrastructure, demonstrating mutual confidence between both economies.

• Machinery and mechanical appliances (HS 84): US$2,025,975,036 — Italy’s leading export category, supporting Turkey’s growing industrial base.
• Precious metals and jewelry (HS 71): US$1,931,938,515 — Driven by Italy’s advanced metalwork and Turkey’s jewelry demand.
• Vehicles and automotive parts (HS 87): US$762,714,963 — Strengthens automotive co-production and supply-chain ties between both countries.
• Electrical equipment (HS 85): US$514,546,806 — Boosts Turkey’s machinery and consumer electronics industries.
• Plastics and plastic products (HS 39): US$445,815,741 — Used across Turkey’s packaging, construction, and manufacturing sectors.
• Steel products (HS 73): US$279,061,417 — Reinforces Turkey’s infrastructure and machinery production.
• Optical and precision instruments (HS 90): US$265,658,110 — Supports Turkey’s medical, engineering, and measurement technologies.

Turkey’s trade with Italy reached US$32.24 billion in 2024, and both sides have set a US$40 billion target, signaling confidence in deeper trade integration within the EU–Türkiye Customs Union, a core framework shaping Turkey’s position in EU trade.

At the 4th Türkiye–Italy Intergovernmental Summit in Rome, the two governments formalized 11 cooperation agreements, spanning defense, space, innovation, transport, culture, and social services. The agreements included a joint venture between Baykar and Leonardo, marking a major step in defense and aerospace collaboration. This deal, along with new industrial MoUs in technology and infrastructure, aligns with Turkey’s goal of upgrading its export base and Italy’s focus on secure supply chains across the Mediterranean.

Economic data supports this growing alignment. While lower automotive and textile exports show a shift toward higher value-added production, Turkish exports to Italy rose 7.5% year-on-year to US$5.3 billion in January-May 2025, led by:

• Chemical products (+14.6% YoY)
• Ferrous and non-ferrous metals (+37.4%)
• Steel (+9.4% YoY)

Meanwhile, Italy continues to strengthen its export presence in machinery, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, and electrical equipment with total exports from the top 5 provinces to Italy (Jan–May 2025) is US$3.58 billion, including:

Over 1,500 Italian firms are active in Turkey, investing in renewable energy, automotive, textiles, and advanced manufacturing. Both governments have emphasized facilitating customs processes and localized production to reduce tariff pressure, a central part of modernizing EU trade relations with Turkey.

3. France - What does France export the most to Turkey?

In the first seven months of 2025, Turkey’s trade with France reached over US$14 billion, with import value nearly US$7.9 billion and export valued at US$6.3 billion, positioning France among Turkey’s top EU trade partners, highlighted by TradeInt.

This relationship demonstrates the resilience of EU trade relations with Turkey, supported by mutual interests in technology, aerospace, automotive, and green energy. France remains a leading source of high-value machinery, aircraft, and industrial materials for the Turkish market.

Key traded products between France and Turkey (Jan–Jul 2025):

• Vehicles and parts (HS 87): US$1,619,579,342 — Core of bilateral trade, driven by automotive co-production and parts supply.
• Aircraft and spacecraft (HS 88): US$1,517,515,356 — Reflects France’s dominance in aerospace exports through Airbus and defense collaborations.
• Machinery and mechanical appliances (HS 84): US$1,040,868,036 — Strengthens Turkey’s capacity and energy transition goals.
• Electrical equipment (HS 85): US$478,782,848 — Supports Turkey’s electronics, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors.
• Steel (HS 72): US$395,239,314 — Enhances construction and automotive supply chains.
• Plastics and plastic products (HS 39): US$345,133,771 — Fuels Turkey’s packaging and manufacturing industries.
• Essential oils and cosmetics (HS 33): US$311,065,196 — Reinforces France’s role in Turkey’s luxury and consumer markets.

What is the trade relationship between France and Turkey?

Trade between the two governments is anchored in strong sectoral linkages.

France is a major supplier of machinery, aircraft and parts, electrical equipment, and chemicals, while Turkey provides automotive products, textiles, steel, and mineral fuels.

Furthermore, over 1,500 French companies operate in Turkey, investing in aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing, supported by bilateral chambers and business councils. These firms benefit from Turkey’s advanced logistics network and its role as a regional production base for EU-bound goods.

Beyond commerce, Ankara and Paris are actively exploring a strategic recalibration of their bilateral relations. Following meetings between President Erdoğan and President Macron, both governments agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade, defense, and energy, while also aligning diplomatic positions on regional crises such as Ukraine, Libya, and the Middle East. Macron’s recent stance on recognizing a Palestinian state has created new diplomatic common ground, enabling constructive dialogue between the two capitals.

Experts such as Bahadır Kaleağası of the Paris Bosphorus Institute emphasize that the next phase of EU trade relations with Turkey should involve a structured Franco-Turkish Strategic Dialogue Platform, integrating sectoral working groups in energy, digital infrastructure, and defense.

Such an institutional mechanism would ensure consistent policy coordination and expand Turkey’s position within EU trade, reinforcing a partnership that combines economic depth with shared regional influence.

4. Spain - What are the biggest Turkish export product categories in Spain?

Turkey exported roughly US$6.09 billion worth of goods to Spain between January and July 2025, making Spain one of Turkey’s key EU trading partners. TradeInt’s latest category-level data shows that Turkey’s exports to Spain are led by vehicles (HS 87 – US$1.76B), followed by high-value textile and apparel categories such as knitted garments (HS 61 – US$637.65M) and woven garments (HS 62 – US$328.67M), along with machinery (HS 84), steel (HS 72), electrical equipment (HS 85), and plastics (HS 39).

This export pattern reflects 30 years of EU–Turkey Customs Union integration, where Spain’s relies on Turkey for cost-competitive apparel, machinery components, and vehicle parts is rooted in long-standing production linkages and shortened Mediterranean logistics routes — all of which help explain the current trade volumes.

Top 7 Turkey export products to Spain (Jan-Jul 2025)

• Vehicles and parts (HS 87): US$1.76B — The largest export category, driven by Turkish automotive plants supplying parts and finished vehicles to Spain’s car manufacturers.
• Knitted garments (HS 61): US$637.6M — Reflects Turkey’s dominance in fast-fashion textile production, meeting Spain’s retail demand from brands like Zara and Mango.
• Machinery and boilers (HS 84): US$554.8M — Supports Spain’s construction and machinery sectors with competitively priced Turkish engineering products.
• Steel (HS 72): US$359.9M — Essential for Spain’s building materials and shipbuilding industries, sourced from Turkey’s advanced steel mills.
• Woven garments (HS 62): US$328.7M — Complements Spain’s apparel imports, featuring tailored clothing and high-quality fabrics.
• Electrical equipment (HS 85): US$318.2M — Supplies Spanish manufacturing plants with components for electronics and home appliances.
• Plastics (HS 39): US$284.9M — Used across Spain’s packaging, construction, and automotive industries.

What is the relationship between Spain and Turkey?

The trade relationship is diverse and well-structured. Spain sources a wide range of products from Turkey, automotive parts, chemicals, apparel, textiles, and electronics, that serve both Spain’s domestic markets and re-export industries. On the other hand, Spanish companies maintain a solid investment footprint in Turkey, contributing to manufacturing, energy transition, and green infrastructure projects.

In early 2025, Turkish exports to Spain surged 11.3% year-on-year, hitting a record high of US$774 million in January, the strongest January performance ever recorded. This growth reflects not only robust Spanish demand for industrial goods but also Turkey’s rising competitiveness across multiple value-added sectors.

According to Banco Sabadell’s Istanbul office, bilateral trade has remained “steady and multi-sectoral” since 2006, showing that the relationship is based on industrial complementarity rather than dependence on a single product group.

Political and institutional aspects have played a major role in shaping this commercial momentum. During the Turkey–Spain Intergovernmental Summit held in Madrid in June 2024, both governments signed 13 new memorandums of understanding, covering trade finance, energy transition, R&D, social policy, and defense industry partnership. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described Turkey as a “friend, partner, and ally,” reaffirming Spain’s support for Turkey’s position within EU trade and its accession agenda.

Looking ahead, the two governments have set an ambitious target of €25 billion (~US$29 billion) in annual trade within 5 years, a realistic goal given the current trajectory of export growth, sectoral diversification, and renewed political alignment under the modernized Turkey trade agreement with the EU.

5. United Kingdom - What are the top products Turkey exports to the UK in 2025?

According to TradeInt’s UK–Turkey export database, the United Kingdom is one of Turkey’s most important European markets, and Turkey exported US$9.9 billion worth of goods to the UK between January and July 2025. TradeInt’s latest export data shows that Turkey’s top product categories shipped to the UK in 2025 are led by vehicles (HS 87 – US$2.32B), followed by electrical equipment (HS 85 – US$929.09M), mineral fuels and oils (HS 27 – US$886.97M), and precious metals and jewelry (HS 71 – US$706.72M). Other major categories include machinery (HS 84 – US$695.93M), knitted apparel (HS 61 – US$558.23M), and weapons & ammunition (HS 93 – US$350.50M), reflecting Turkey’s diverse industrial export strengths.

Supported by the 2021 UK–Turkey Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which preserved tariff-free industrial trade after Brexit. This agreement kept automotive, machinery, textiles, electronics, and fuel supply chains uninterrupted, allowing Turkey’s export flows to remain strong. Driven by long-standing manufacturing links, integrated retail sourcing networks, and the UK’s reliance on Turkey for competitively priced industrial goods and consumer products.

Top 8 Turkey export product to the UK (Jan-July 2025)

• Vehicles and parts (HS 87): US$2.32B — cornerstone of bilateral trade, driven by Turkey’s automotive clusters in Bursa and Kocaeli.
• Electrical machinery (HS 85): US$929M — includes appliances and electronic components for UK industries.
• Mineral fuels (HS 27): US$887M — reflects Turkey’s growing refined fuel exports.
• Precious metals & jewelry (HS 71): US$707M — dominated by gold and jewelry re-exports to London.
• Machinery & boilers (HS 84): US$696M — supports UK manufacturing and energy sectors.
• Textiles and apparel (HS 61 & 62): US$774M combined — showcases Turkey’s position as a top supplier in Europe’s fashion and retail chains.

What is the relationship between UK and Turkey?

Turkey’s trade with the United Kingdom reached US$22 billion in 2024, reflecting a highly integrated and well-regulated partnership under the Turkey–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a continuation of the former Turkey trade agreement with the EU. This FTA ensures preferential tariffs and simplified customs procedures across most industrial goods, keeping the UK–Turkey trade framework aligned with EU trade relations with Turkey even after Brexit.

The UK remains one of Turkey’s largest non-EU trading partners, with over 3,200 British companies, including BP, Vodafone, and HSBC, operating in Turkey across energy, infrastructure, healthcare, finance, and defense. British investments totaled US$13.5 billion by the end of 2024, showing London’s continued confidence in Turkey’s manufacturing and energy sectors.

The FTA’s Rules of Origin Protocol ensures that only goods produced or sufficiently processed in either country qualify for tariff preferences, strengthening supply-chain accountability and protecting domestic industries.

Following this, the first round of negotiations on an enhanced UK–Turkey FTA was held in Ankara (June–July 2025), focusing on services trade, sustainability, and digital economy provisions. The UK aims to expand access for its digital, financial, and professional services, while Turkey seeks broader tariff coverage and investment facilitation.

The UK’s Department for Business and Trade reported that bilateral trade in goods and services totaled £27.8 billion (≈US$35.4B) in Q1 2025, up 3.1% YoY, with UK imports from Turkey rising 8.5%. This increase reflects Turkey’s growing competitiveness in industrial exports and its strengthened position within EU trade, despite the UK’s exit from the bloc.

The upcoming second negotiation round in autumn 2025 is expected to advance mutual goals on customs modernization, digital trade, and sustainable investment, further reinforcing the UK’s role as a key European partner in Turkey’s trade with the EU network.

Conclusion

Turkey trade with the EU remains the cornerstone of its global commerce, reflecting deep industrial integration and mutual economic reliance through high-value exchanges, automotive and machinery exports driving EU supply chains to energy and industrial imports that sustain Turkey’s manufacturing ecosystem. Moreover, countries like Germany, Italy, France, and Spain remain Turkey’s primary trade anchors, demonstrating how diversified yet interdependent this partnership has become across automotive, fuel, textile, and metals sectors.

This evolving trade landscape shows how Turkey’s economic pulse beats in sync with Europe’s, where every export shipment and import deal signals both opportunity and adaptation. For businesses, investors, and analysts aiming to understand these shifts, the difference lies in having visibility into the real data that drives them.

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