Close
newsletters Newsletters
X Instagram Youtube

Turkish exports hit historic high as trade gap expands in first half of 2025

Trade Minister Omer Bolat (left) and Libyan Economy and Trade Minister Mohamed Hweij (right) attend the Türkiye–Libya Business Forum in Tripoli, Libya, on April 30, 2025. (AA Photo)
Photo
BigPhoto
Trade Minister Omer Bolat (left) and Libyan Economy and Trade Minister Mohamed Hweij (right) attend the Türkiye–Libya Business Forum in Tripoli, Libya, on April 30, 2025. (AA Photo)
July 02, 2025 12:29 PM GMT+03:00

Türkiye's exports reached an all-time high of $267 billion over the 12 months ending in June, Trade Minister Omer Bolat announced Wednesday during a press conference in Istanbul.

June exports post strongest monthly growth in a year

The milestone reflects Türkiye's expanding presence in global markets, even as the nation grapples with a widening trade imbalance.

June exports alone climbed 8% year-over-year to $20.54 billion, marking the strongest monthly growth rate in the past year, according to Trade Ministry figures.

However, imports surged at an even faster pace, jumping 15.3% to $28.7 billion in June. This disparity contributed to a monthly trade deficit of $8.17 billion, with exports covering 71.5% of import costs.

First-half trade deficit reaches $49.43 billion

The trade gap has persisted throughout the first half of 2025. From January through June, Türkiye's exports totaled $131.44 billion, representing a 4.1% increase from the same period last year. Imports during these six months reached $180.87 billion, up 7.2% year-over-year.

The cumulative trade deficit for the first half of the year stood at $49.43 billion, with the export-import coverage ratio at 72.7%.

Import surge reflects continued domestic demand

Türkiye's export performance comes amid broader economic challenges facing the country, as policymakers work to balance growth objectives with efforts to narrow the persistent trade imbalance.

The surge in imports suggests continued domestic demand for foreign goods and raw materials, while the export growth indicates Turkish manufacturers are finding new markets for their products.

July 02, 2025 12:31 PM GMT+03:00
More From Türkiye Today