Türkiye’s Export Routes Now Point to Anatolia

Export data covering the 2016–2020 and 2021–2025 periods in Türkiye revealed that geographical balances in foreign trade have begun to shift. While the number of provinces with exports exceeding USD 1 billion was 16 in the first period, this figure rose to 24 in the 2021–2025 period. The data showed that while exports maintained their Marmara-centered structure, production and shipment hubs expanded across Anatolia. Increases recorded not only in the European market but also in the Gulf countries, Africa, the United States, and Asian markets indicated that Türkiye’s export routes have diversified, and that this diversification has been shaped through production centers in Anatolia.

According to the comparison of the last two five-year periods, Central Anatolia (107.2%) and the Black Sea (111.9%) regions stood out in terms of export growth rates. During the same period, the Mediterranean Region increased its exports by 76.3%. Istanbul, Ankara, Bursa, Konya, Gaziantep, Hatay, Adana, Çorum, Mardin, and Şırnak were among the provinces that achieved remarkable export growth across different markets.

In addition, according to data from the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), Tekirdağ, Çorum, Eskişehir, Samsun, Muğla, Kahramanmaraş, Balıkesir, and Mardin joined the group of provinces exporting more than USD 1 billion for the first time. This development demonstrated that the number of cities carrying the export burden has expanded toward Anatolia.

The Marmara Region Maintained Its Leadership in Exports

Continuing to serve as the main hub of Türkiye’s exports with Istanbul, Bursa, Kocaeli, Sakarya, and Tekirdağ, the Marmara Region increased its five-year average exports from USD 96.8 billion in the 2016–2020 period to USD 137.7 billion in the 2021–2025 period. The region’s exports grew by 42.2% during this period, and the number of billion‑dollar exporting provinces rose from five to six.

The Marmara Region recorded strong increases particularly in the markets of France, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Italy. Exports to France increased by USD 852 million, to Germany by USD 786 million, and to the United States by more than USD 511 million. While Istanbul stood out with exports in high technology, ready‑to‑wear, chemicals, and jewelry, Bursa strengthened its position in the European market in automotive and textiles. Kocaeli expanded in the German and Italian markets through industrial production, while Sakarya drew attention along the European corridor with its automotive exports. Meanwhile, Tekirdağ and Yalova also broadened their export base due to the impact of industrial investments.

The Aegean Region Grew Through Value‑Added Production

In the Aegean Region, export performance centered on İzmir, Manisa, Denizli, Aydın, and Muğla stood out. While the region’s five‑year average exports increased from USD 16.4 billion to USD 23.9 billion, the number of billion‑dollar exporting provinces rose from three to four with Muğla’s rise.

The region recorded growth especially in the markets of the United States, the Russian Federation, Japan, Germany, and Italy. Exports to the United States increased by more than USD 30 million, while exports to Japan rose by approximately USD 20 million. İzmir increased its exports in food, chemicals, machinery, and renewable energy equipment; Denizli in textiles and home textiles; and Manisa through electronics and white goods manufacturing.

Port and Transit Trade Effects in the Mediterranean

In the Mediterranean Region, Adana, Hatay, Antalya, Mersin, and Kahramanmaraş stood out with their export performance. The region’s five‑year average exports rose to USD 12.7 billion with a 76.3% increase. The number of billion‑dollar exporting provinces increased from four to five.

Shifting trade balances following the Russia–Ukraine war directly affected the export performance of port cities in the region. Exports to Russia increased by USD 70 million, to Romania by USD 45 million, and to Iraq by more than USD 30 million. While Mersin stood out in transit trade thanks to its port advantage, Hatay increased exports through the iron‑steel and food sectors, and Adana through chemicals and agricultural industries.

Rapid Expansion in Exports in Central Anatolia

Central Anatolia’s five‑year average exports rose from USD 10.9 billion to USD 22.6 billion, with a 107.2% increase. The number of billion‑dollar exporting provinces, which was three in the 2016–2020 period, increased to five with the addition of Çorum and Eskişehir.

Ankara, Konya, Kayseri, and Eskişehir achieved notable growth in the markets of the United Kingdom, Pakistan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Romania. Exports to the United Kingdom increased by USD 361 million, to Pakistan by USD 150 million, and to Syria by more than USD 120 million.

Ankara increased its exports to the United States and European markets through defense industry, aviation, and advanced technology production. Konya recorded growth in the Middle East and Africa with machinery and agricultural equipment exports. While Kayseri expanded into new markets with furniture and steel door sectors, Eskişehir stood out in exports with its production in aviation and rail systems.

Border Advantage of Eastern Anatolia

In the Eastern Anatolia Region, Erzurum, Elazığ, Van, and Malatya were among the cities that increased their export performance. Logistics infrastructure investments and trade volumes at border gates were factors that directly affected export performance in the region. Eastern Anatolia recorded growth in the markets of Belgium, China, Iraq, Georgia, and Algeria. While exports to Belgium increased by approximately USD 40 million, exports to China rose by more than USD 35 million.

Elazığ stood out with marble and mining product exports, while Van experienced increased activity along the Iran and Iraq corridors due to the impact of border trade. Malatya maintained its traditional strength, particularly in apricot exports, while Erzurum continued to diversify into new markets with agricultural and livestock products.

Southeastern Anatolia Became a New Hub

The Southeastern Anatolia Region recorded one of the sharpest rises in exports over the last five years. The region’s five‑year average exports increased from USD 7 billion to USD 11.1 billion, with a 58.8% growth. Mardin’s inclusion among billion‑dollar exporting provinces became one of the most striking indicators of the spread of production power across the region.

While the Iraqi market remained the most critical export gateway for the region, expansion toward the Gulf countries and North African markets also drew attention. Led by Gaziantep, Şırnak, Diyarbakır, and Şanlıurfa, the region’s exports to Iraq increased by approximately USD 134 million. Exports to the United Arab Emirates rose by more than USD 60 million, while exports to Georgia increased by around USD 50 million.

Gaziantep maintained its position as the region’s export leader with carpets, food, and industrial products, while Şırnak exhibited remarkable growth thanks to increased activity in border trade. Şanlıurfa stood out with agricultural and food products, and Diyarbakır with industrial products and marble exports.

The Black Sea Became One of the Fastest‑Growing Regions

In the Black Sea Region, Samsun, Trabzon, Ordu, and Çorum emerged as prominent export centers. The region’s five‑year average exports increased from USD 1.1 billion to USD 2.4 billion, with a growth rate of 111.9%. During this period, Samsun joined the group of billion‑dollar exporting provinces.

In the Black Sea, the growth of trade particularly toward the Gulf countries drew attention. Strengthening port infrastructure and the activation of alternative logistics corridors accelerated export diversification. The region recorded significant increases in the markets of the United Arab Emirates, the Russian Federation, Georgia, the United States, and Germany. Exports to the United Arab Emirates increased by more than USD 114 million, to Russia by approximately USD 90 million, and to Georgia by more than USD 55 million.

The data presented in the report for the 2016–2020 and 2021–2025 periods show that exports in Türkiye have spread across a broader geographical area. The diversification of production centers in Anatolia increases the importance of new logistics routes and distribution hubs in land, sea, and air transportation. This structure, shaped around port cities, border gates, and organized industrial zones, highlights multi‑centered and integrated solutions in logistics planning.

Source: Ekonomim