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Turkish builders lock in $6.2B in global contracts in 2025 so far: Trade Ministry

Construction cranes operate at a large-scale building site in Türkiye, accessed on July 4, 2025. (AA Photo)
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Construction cranes operate at a large-scale building site in Türkiye, accessed on July 4, 2025. (AA Photo)
July 04, 2025 01:37 PM GMT+03:00

Turkish contractors undertook overseas projects worth $6.2 billion in the first half of 2025, maintaining the country’s strong global standing in construction despite ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges, the Turkish Trade Ministry said.

According to figures compiled from Türkiye’s Trade Ministry, Turkish firms carried out 93 projects abroad by the end of June, continuing a trend that places Türkiye among the top 10 countries in terms of international contracting revenues.

Turkish contractors defy headwinds

The performance of the Turkish contracting sector has fluctuated over recent years due to global factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine war. In 2020, the industry carried out 386 projects abroad, totaling approximately $17.2 billion. The figure rose dramatically in 2021, reaching a record $31.8 billion from 459 projects.

However, in 2022, the total project value dipped to $20.1 billion, although the number of projects increased to 512. In 2023, Turkish firms signed 445 projects abroad worth $28.6 billion. Last year, despite mounting global challenges, including inflation and regional conflicts, Turkish contractors managed to undertake 378 projects totaling $31.2 billion.

Russia, Middle East and Africa dominate

Since 1972, Turkish contractors have executed 12,627 projects in 137 countries, reaching a cumulative value of $543.6 billion. Among regional markets, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) holds the largest share, accounting for 43.2% of the total, or around $235 billion in projects.

The Middle East follows with a 25.5% share and $138.5 billion in project volume, while Africa ranks third with $97 billion, representing 17.9% of the total. European countries account for $53.8 billion, while the Asia-Pacific region and the Americas make up $14.4 billion and $4.6 billion, respectively.

Russia continues to be the most significant single-country market for Turkish contractors, with a cumulative project value of $103.1 billion. It is followed by Turkmenistan at $54.2 billion and Iraq at $36.6 billion. Other notable destinations include:

  • Saudi Arabia - $33.4 billion
  • Libya - $31.4 billion
  • Kazakhstan - $29.6 billion
  • Algeria - $23.2 billion
  • Azerbaijan - $20.8 billion
  • Qatar - $20.3 billion
  • The United Arab Emirates - $18.8 billion
A view of a high-rise residential construction site in Türkiye, photographed on July 4, 2025. (AA Photo)
A view of a high-rise residential construction site in Türkiye, photographed on July 4, 2025. (AA Photo)

Infrastructure and housing emerge as top sectors for Turkish contractors

A sectoral analysis of overseas projects shows that transportation infrastructure remains the leading field. Roadways, tunnels, and bridges account for 14.1% of total projects. Residential construction follows with 13.4%, while energy plants make up 8.5%, railways 7.1%, and commercial centers 6.8%.

According to U.S.-based Engineering News-Record (ENR) magazine, which ranks international contractors by revenue, Türkiye ranks second worldwide in terms of international construction income—an indication of its strong global presence and diversified project portfolio.

July 04, 2025 01:37 PM GMT+03:00
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