Aegean Exporters' Associations' April Exports Unaffected by Full Lockdown

Aegean Exporters Associations (EİB) increased its April 2020 exports of USD 815.4 million to USD 1 billion 373 million 510 thousand in April 2021, representing a 68% increase. Operating for 82 years, the Aegean Exporters Associations set an export record in April that marks its 82-year history. In April, 10 out of 12 exporter associations within the Aegean Exporters Associations succeeded in increasing their exports. The Aegean Exporters Associations' January-April 2021 exports rose by 20% from USD 4 billion 55 million to USD 4 billion 882 million, while its 12-month exports increased by 6% from USD 13 billion 7 million to USD 13 billion 831 million.

Industrial sector exports surge 123%

Industrial sector exports within the Aegean Exporters Associations jumped from USD 284.8 million to USD 635.2 million in April 2021 with a record 123% increase, while agricultural sector exports rose by 14% from USD 371 million to USD 424 million. Mining sector exports increased by 54% from USD 61.3 million to USD 94.6 million.  

Textile sector sets new records monthly

The Aegean Textile and Raw Materials Exporters Association, which set export growth records in the first three months of 2021, achieved another historic milestone in April. The Aegean Textile and Raw Materials Exporters Association improved its April exports by 367%, bringing in USD 45 million in foreign exchange to Turkey.  

Iron and steel exports exceed USD 1.5 billion in 12 months

The Aegean Iron and Non-Ferrous Metals Exporters Association increased its April exports by 126% to USD 191 million, while its 12-month exports rose by 8% to USD 1 billion 519 million. EDDMIB reached the top both in April and over the 12-month period.

Ready-made garments and apparel becomes top performer

The Aegean Ready-Made Garments and Apparel Exporters Association, which experienced one of the sharpest declines in April 2020, achieved a 148% export growth rate in April 2021 and became a top performer within EİB with USD 116.6 million in exports. EHKIB's 12-month exports reached USD 1 billion 409 million.  

Fishery and animal products lead food exports

The Aegean Fishery and Animal Products Exporters Association increased its April exports by 51% to reach USD 103.6 million. With these exports, ESUHMI became the leader among 6 food associations within EİB.  

Mining exports approaching USD 1 billion

The Aegean Mining Exporters Association, targeting USD 1 billion in 2021 exports, increased its April exports by 54% from USD 61.3 million to USD 94.6 million, with its annual export figure rising to USD 979.5 million.  

Fresh fruits, vegetables and products exports rise 15%

The Aegean Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Exporters Association improved its April exports by 15% and achieved USD 81 million 108 thousand in exports. EYMSI's annual exports advanced to USD 1 billion 73 million.    

Furniture, paper and forest products exports increase 13%

The Aegean Dried Fruits and Products Exporters Association recorded USD 60 million 690 thousand in April exports, while the Aegean Furniture, Paper and Forest Products Exporters Association succeeded in exporting USD 59.8 million with a 13% increase. The Aegean Cereals, Legumes, Oilseeds and Products Exporters Association, which has continuously increased exports and exceeded USD 500 million in 2020, maintained its tradition in April. The association improved its exports by 24% to USD 53 million 965 thousand. The Aegean Tobacco Exporters Association exported USD 45.9 million, while the Aegean Olives and Olive Oil Exporters Association advanced its exports by 13% and brought USD 14.9 million in foreign exchange to Turkey. The Aegean Leather and Leather Products Exporters Association, which is trying to overcome pandemic effects through virtual fairs and trade delegations, increased its April exports with a 125% jump from USD 5.2 million to USD 11.8 million.    

Eskinazi: "Our April performance is dazzling"

Aegean Exporters Associations Coordinator Chairman Jak Eskinazi, who described April's performance as dazzling, stated they have given Turkey an early taste of holiday joy. Pointing out that sharp declines in export figures were experienced in April 2020 due to global lockdowns caused by the pandemic, Eskinazi noted that considering the USD 1 billion 101 million in April 2019 exports, April 2021 exports showed a 25% increase. Reminding that the Aegean Exporters Associations are targeting USD 15 billion in exports for 2021, Eskinazi said, "We are facing difficulties in securing raw materials in the post-pandemic period. There are record increases in container and freight prices. Despite all these challenges, I congratulate all our exporters for demonstrating successful performance. We are moving with confident steps towards our USD 15 billion export target, and we are working to make 2021 a record year for exports." Noting that Izmir continues to be the locomotive of the Aegean Region's USD 2 billion 426 million April exports with USD 1 billion 245 million in exports, Eskinazi concluded his remarks as follows: "Manisa achieved USD 513 million in exports, Denizli USD 376 million. Aydın exported USD 67.7 million, Balıkesir USD 66.5 million. Muğla's April exports were USD 61.4 million, while Afyon achieved USD 34 million, Uşak USD 33 million and Kütahya USD 28 million in exports. We are targeting USD 25 billion in exports from the Aegean Region in 2021."