IIB Reports Major Export Growth

İİB Posts Strong Export Results Istanbul exporters achieved USD 4.568 billion in exports during the first 5 months of 2022, representing a 30.5% increase compared to the same period of the previous year. Istanbul Exporters Associations (İİB), increased their exports by 30.5% in the first 5 months of the year compared to the same period of the previous year, posting total exports of USD 4.568 billion through the 7 exporters associations within the organization. İİB became the second association among other general secretariats to achieve the highest export growth rate.

Highest exports to Iraq

In the first 5 months of the year, the highest export value was USD 336 million directed to Iraq. Poultry, animal products, furniture, paper and forest products constituted the main exports to Iraq. After Iraq, the highest export values by volume went to the United States, Norway, Germany and the United Kingdom. Main export items to the US included cereals, legumes, oilseeds, furniture, paper and forest products; to Norway, ships and yachts; to Germany, hazelnuts and hazelnut products, furniture, paper and forest products; to the UK, furniture, paper and forest products, along with cereals, legumes, oilseeds and their products. When assessed by country groups, the Middle East region was İİB's highest export destination with USD 923 million. In May, exports increased 19.2% compared to May of the previous year, totalling USD 824 million. The association's highest May exports were directed to Iraq, the United States and Norway. Istanbul Furniture, Paper and Forest Products Exporters Association recorded USD 1.590 billion with a 37.7% increase in the first 5 months compared to the same period of the previous year; Istanbul Cereals, Legumes, Oilseeds and Products Exporters Association (İHBİR) recorded USD 1.278 billion with a 19.5% increase. Ships, Yachts and Services Exporters Association (GYHİB) recorded USD 577 million with a 26.3% increase; Istanbul Aquatic Products and Animal Products Exporters Association (İSHİB) recorded USD 517.5 million with a 44.7% increase; Istanbul Hazelnut and Products Exporters Association (İFMİB) recorded USD 271 million with a 10.8% increase. Istanbul Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Exporters Association recorded USD 194 million with a 46.8% increase; Istanbul Dried Fruits and Products Exporters Association (KUMİB) recorded USD 101 million in exports.

İİB's exports grew above Turkey's average

Istanbul Exporters Associations Coordinator Chairman Müjdat Sezer, noting that the association demonstrated successful performance with its May exports through its active members exceeding 20,000 operating in different cities, stated: "The association's exports grew above Turkey's average. We expect this success to continue in June and we project to close the first half of the year with export growth. We continue our activities with full commitment through our events aimed at target markets, national pavilion exhibitions organized abroad, Enhancing International Competitiveness (UR-GE) projects, as well as buyer delegations and trade delegations conducted through digital platforms. In May, we organized Turkey's national participation at 'Sweets & Snacks EXPO 2022,' the largest chocolate and snacks fair in the Americas. Under İİB's coordination, we organized the Kazan Summit bringing together representatives of Russian and Islamic economies, and arranged the Russia Halal Turkish pavilion," he stated.