Türkiye’s exports reach $20.3 billion in January despite annual decline

Thursday 26 February 2026 - 14:00

By: Sahili Aya

Türkiye’s exports reach $20.3 billion in January despite annual decline

Türkiye’s exports totaled $20.31 billion in January, marking a 4% decrease compared to the same month a year earlier, according to figures released by the Turkish Statistical Institute.

Data showed that imports edged up by 0.1% year-on-year to $28.69 billion, pushing the monthly trade deficit to $8.38 billion—an increase of 11.6% compared to the previous year. The widening gap reflects persistent external demand challenges and the continued impact of global market volatility.

When energy products and non-monetary gold are excluded, the foreign trade balance posted a narrower deficit of $2.8 billion in January, highlighting the significant role of energy imports in shaping the country’s overall trade performance.

The manufacturing industry remained the backbone of Türkiye’s export structure, accounting for 92.7% of total outbound shipments. The agriculture, forestry and fishing sector contributed 4.8%, while mining and quarrying represented 1.8%.

Within manufacturing exports, medium-high technology products held a 40.2% share, while high-technology goods accounted for 3.3%, indicating gradual but limited progress toward higher value-added production.

In terms of destinations, Germany ranked as the leading export market, with shipments valued at $1.78 billion. It was followed by the United Kingdom at $1.28 billion and the United States at $1.21 billion.

On the import side, China remained Türkiye’s top supplier, accounting for $4.28 billion in goods. Russia followed with $3.02 billion, while Germany ranked third with $1.87 billion in imports.

The latest data underscore Türkiye’s continued integration into global trade networks, while also highlighting structural challenges tied to energy dependence and the need to expand high-tech exports.