Western Mediterranean Region Exports Reach USD 1.932 Billion

Western Mediterranean Region Exports USD 1.932 Billion Exports from the Western Mediterranean region during the first nine months of the year increased by 3.76 percent compared to the same period last year, reaching USD 1 billion 932 million 942 thousand 852. Exports in September alone declined by 6.84 percent compared to September of last year, reaching USD 194 million 120 thousand 911. In September of this year, the mining and metals sector achieved the highest exports, while exports to Russia were the largest. Over the nine-month period, the fresh fruit and vegetable sector achieved the highest exports, while exports to Germany were the largest. The fresh fruit and vegetable sector, the mining and metals sector, and the wood and forest products sector, which hold significant positions in the region's exports, closed September with losses, while chemical substances and exports of cement, glass, ceramics and earthenware products increased significantly. The top 5 sectors with the highest exports also achieved success by generating three-quarters of total exports in September. Looking at the distribution of September exports by country, the decline observed in China continued this month as well. Despite the decline in exports, Germany continued its progress toward remaining one of the Western Mediterranean region's most important markets. The Netherlands further strengthened its position as an important market in regional exports. In September 2022, exports from the provinces of Antalya, Burdur and Isparta were made to 131 countries and regions. [caption id="attachment_145245" align="aligncenter"] BAİB Export Chart[/caption] Looking at the nine-month trend of regional exports by sector, the fresh fruit and vegetable sector ranked first with exports of USD 489.1 million, while the mining and metals sector, dominated by natural stone, ranked second with exports of USD 404.9 million. Despite the contraction in China, the mining and metals sector, dominated by natural stone, increased its exports by 7.81 percent, sending positive signals for the future. Although the fresh fruit and vegetable sector's exports during the nine-month period declined by 3.5 percent compared to the same nine-month period last year, with the start of the greenhouse vegetable season, this decline is expected to give way to growth. During the nine-month period of the year, exports from the Western Mediterranean region took place to 167 countries and regions. Germany demonstrated its characteristic as the country with the highest exports. The decline in exports to China showed itself significantly during the nine-month period as well.