Türkiye Sets Export Record in April 2026

Türkiye delivered a strong performance in exports in April 2026, reaching a historic level on a monthly basis. According to data from the Ministry of Trade, exports increased by 22.3% compared to the same month of the previous year, amounting to USD 25.4 billion. This figure represents the highest export value ever recorded for the month of April and the second-highest monthly export value to date.

According to figures announced in Ordu by Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat and Mustafa Gültepe, Chairman of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), exports in April 2026 rose by 22.3% to USD 25.4 billion, while imports increased by 3.1% to USD 33.9 billion. With these developments, total foreign trade volume grew by 10.5%, reaching USD 59.3 billion.

Source: AA

At the same time, the export-to-import coverage ratio in April increased by 11.7 percentage points compared to the same month last year, reaching 74.9%. When calculated excluding energy, this ratio rose to 87.9%, and when both energy and gold are excluded, it increased further to 90.5%.

Total Exports Reach USD 88.6 Billion in the First Four Months

During the January–April period of 2026, exports increased by 3% compared to the same period last year, totaling USD 88.6 billion. Imports during the same period rose by 4.3% to USD 125.8 billion. Meanwhile, exports over the last 12 months reached USD 275.8 billion.

In April, exports from Türkiye to Gulf countries surged by 60% compared to the previous month, reaching USD 2.4 billion. The leading destination countries were as follows:

• United Arab Emirates: +122.7% – USD 912 million

• Iraq: +25.7% – USD 829 million

• Saudi Arabia: +31.1% – USD 292 million

• Iran: +66.9% – USD 220 million

Sectoral Distribution and Logistics Impact

In April, all 26 sectors increased their export volumes. The leading sectors were:

• Automotive: USD 3.9 billion

• Chemicals: USD 3.1 billion

• Electrical and electronics: USD 1.8 billion

• Ready-to-wear apparel: USD 1.45 billion

• Steel: USD 1.44 billion

The high-volume and time-sensitive cargo profiles of these sectors emerged as key factors driving increased demand for air cargo and integrated logistics solutions.

Export Performance by Province

An analysis of provincial export performance in April 2026 shows that Istanbul maintained its clear leadership. The top 10 exporting provinces and their export values in April were as follows:

1. Istanbul: USD 5 billion 179 million

2. Kocaeli: USD 3 billion 512 million

3. Izmir: USD 2 billion 40 million

4. Bursa: USD 1 billion 912 million

5. Ankara: USD 1 billion 269 million

6. Tekirdağ: USD 1 billion 200 million

7. Mersin: USD 959 million

8. Gaziantep: USD 861 million

9. Sakarya: USD 825 million

10. Manisa: USD 672 million

This list once again highlights the decisive role of the Marmara Region’s production capacity, as well as its port, airport, and road transportation infrastructure, in driving exports from Türkiye.

Istanbul Ranks First in Export Growth

Istanbul also ranked first in absolute export growth, recording an increase of USD 1 billion 22 million compared to the same month last year. Istanbul was followed by Kocaeli with an increase of USD 491 million, Bursa with USD 398 million, Ankara with USD 383 million, and Mersin with USD 256 million. These provinces stood out thanks to port infrastructures integrated with industrial production, organized industrial zones, and air cargo gateways.

When export growth rates by province are considered, the highest increase was recorded in Adana with 43.9%, followed by Ankara with 43.2% and Çorum with 40.1%. During the same period, Hatay was the only province to record a decline in export performance, with a decrease of 11.3%.

Source: Bloomberg HT, CNN Türk