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Türkiye achieved its highest-ever monthly export volume in July, reaching $25 billion in goods sold abroad, according to Trade Minister Omer Bolat. Speaking at a press conference in Samsun, the minister emphasized that this figure not only marks the strongest July performance on record but also contributes to the country’s highest 12-month cumulative export total.
Describing July as a “legendary month,” Bolat pointed to six major milestones reached, including a year-on-year increase of $2.5 billion, or 11%, from July 2024. The figure also reflected a significant $4.5 billion rise compared to the previous month of June.
He underlined that this growth is part of a broader trend aimed at stabilizing and rebalancing the national economy. “Our extraordinary efforts are reinforcing the process of rebalancing and stabilizing our economy,” he said.
Alongside surging exports, Türkiye also saw a slowdown in import growth. Imports in July rose by just over 5% to $31.4 billion. However, the pace of increase remained moderate, which contributed to narrowing the country’s foreign trade deficit. The gap between exports and imports dropped to $6.4 billion—down from $7.3 billion a year earlier—marking the lowest monthly deficit in the past nine months.
Looking ahead, Bolat noted the government’s ambition to reach $26 billion in monthly exports. He also reported robust services exports, with figures rising from $106 billion in 2023 to $115 billion in 2024, and a target of $121 billion set for 2025.
Despite global headwinds, including trade conflicts and fluctuations in commodity markets, Türkiye has maintained a steady economic trajectory. Bolat attributed this resilience to the country’s leadership and its multi-track approach to trade diplomacy.
Bolat also discussed Türkiye’s trade relations with the European Union. He said that 14 barriers to trade with the EU have recently been lifted, with fewer than 10 remaining. Talks to modernize the existing Customs Union—a trade agreement that currently regulates the flow of goods between Türkiye and the EU—are ongoing.
As a result of constructive dialogue, the EU has agreed to ease visa restrictions for Turkish citizens with a travel history to the bloc, issuing a directive to grant longer-term visas to frequent and compliant travelers.
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