In 2011, Turkey’s exports reached an all-time high; hitting USD 135 billion, with an increase of 19 percent.
Foreign Trade Statistics
|
|
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
|
Exports (FOB) |
73,476 |
85,535 |
107,272 |
132,002 |
102,143 |
113,883 |
134,969 |
|
Imports (CIF) |
116,774 |
139,576 |
170,063 |
201,961 |
140,929 |
185,544 |
240,838 |
|
Trade Volume |
190,251 |
225,111 |
277,334 |
333,963 |
243,072 |
299,428 |
375,807 |
|
Trade Balance |
-43,298 |
-54,041 |
-62,791 |
-69,959 |
-38,786 |
-71,661 |
-105,869 |
Source: TurkStat
Due to the implementation of the liberalization process since the 1980s, the Turkish economy has experienced a period of substantial growth. Foreign trade, in respect of both exports and imports, has grown rapidly and notable changes in the structure of exports have been observed. In this regard, industrial products have gained prominence over agricultural products.
Turkey became a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995. Following this move, it finalized an agreement with the European Union, enabling it to join the Customs Union on January 1, 1996.
Exports
In line with the policies implemented as part of the export-led development model followed since 1980, exportation has become important to Turkey in both qualitative and quantitative terms.
Starting in particular in 1980 and continuing up to the mid-1990s, significant developments have been observed in the market share held by labor-intensive industrial products such as textiles and clothing, iron and steel, and foodstuffs.
In 1996, following the establishment of a Customs Union with the European Union, Turkey's exports entered a new structural transformation process. Developments in recent years show that production and exportation have increased substantially in high-technology sectors, where goods include electrical and electronic machinery and equipment, as well as in the automotive industry. In this respect, it can also be observed that the export market share of manufactured industrial products has increased.
Top 10 Export Product Groups in 2011
|
1 |
Vehicle other than railway or tramway rolling stock, parts thereof |
15.8 |
11.7 |
|
2 |
Boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances: parts thereof |
11.6 |
8.6 |
|
3 |
Iron and steel |
11.2 |
8.3 |
|
4 |
Electrical machinery and equipment: parts thereof |
8.9 |
6.6 |
|
5 |
Knitted and crocheted goods and articles thereof |
8.4 |
6.2 |
|
6 |
Mineral fuels. minerals oils and product of their distillation |
6.5 |
4.8 |
|
7 |
Articles of iron and steel |
5.8 |
4.3 |
|
8 |
Non knitted and crocheted goods and articles thereof |
5.1 |
3.8 |
|
9 |
Plastic and articles thereof |
4.6 |
3.4 |
|
10 |
Edible fruit and nuts: peel of melons or citrus fruit |
3.9 |
2.9 |
Source: TurkStat
Major Export Markets in 2011
|
A-EU 27 |
62,372 |
46.2 |
|
B-Free Zones in Turkey |
2,545 |
1.9 |
|
C-Other countries |
70,053 |
51.9 |
|
1- Other European countries |
12,986 |
9.6 |
|
2- North African countries |
6,702 |
5.0 |
|
3- Other African countries |
3,635 |
2.7 |
|
4- North American countries |
5,471 |
4.1 |
|
5- Central America and Caribbean |
629 |
0.5 |
|
6- South America countries |
1,841 |
1.4 |
|
7- Near and Middle Eastern countries |
27,945 |
20.7 |
|
8- Other Asian countries |
10,200 |
7.6 |
|
9- Australia and New Zealand |
481 |
0.4 |
|
10- Other countries |
164 |
0.1 |
Source: TurkStat
Imports
The Turkish import regime highlights the liberalization of Turkish imports in line with its commitment to complete the Customs Union with the EU, its relationship with EFTA, and its obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO). Turkey has placed special emphasis on its commitment to reduce customs duties in order to align itself with the Common Customs Tariff. Turkey has made some necessary modifications to its import regime, and by January 1, 1996 the Customs Union with the EU became effective.
The basic aims of Turkey’s import policy since the early 1980s can be summarized as follows:
- To reduce protectionist measures in conformity with the new GATT rules
- To reduce bureaucratic procedures
- To secure a supply of raw materials and intermediary goods at suitable prices with certain quality standards
Turkey's Membership of International Trade Organizations
Turkey has been a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) since 1995. The country’s commitment to integrating regional and international trade norms can be seen in its participation in and membership of various organizations, including the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), the World Customs Organization (WCO), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), D-8, and various other organizations.
In addition to the Customs Union with the EU, Turkey has signed Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Lichtenstein, Georgia, Israel, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Tunisia, Morocco, the Palestinian Authority, Syria, Egypt, Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, Chile, Jordan, along with Lebanon*, Mauritius*, South Korea* (*to be ratified).