Plastics Sector Shines as Top Export Performer in October

Plastik Sanayicileri Federasyonu Management Board Chair Ömer Karadeniz said that plastics and plastic products lead exports in the chemicals and chemical products category with USD 819 million. 

According to Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) data, Turkey's exports in October reached USD 23.6 billion with a 3.6 percent increase compared to the same month last year. Automotive ranked first among the most exporting sectors with USD 3.5 billion, while the chemicals sector achieved USD 2.47 billion in exports in October, making it Turkey's second largest exporting sector. The sector's exports for the first 10 months reached USD 26 billion with a 2.7 percent increase.

Among chemicals and chemical products, plastics and plastic products exports ranked first with USD 819 million. Mineral fuels and products came in second with USD 442 million in exports, while inorganic chemicals ranked third with USD 240 million in exports. Other sectors in the top 10 following inorganic chemicals were: essential oils, cosmetics and soaps with USD 153 million; rubber and rubber articles with USD 138 million; paints, varnishes, inks and related preparations with USD 134 million; pharmaceutical products with USD 114 million; miscellaneous chemical substances with USD 108 million; organic chemicals with USD 66 million; and adhesives and glues with USD 45 million.

"Turkey breaks October export record"

Plastik Sanayicileri Federasyonu Management Board Chair Ömer Karadeniz, stating that October exports reached USD 23.6 billion with a 3.6 percent increase compared to the same month last year, noted that the highest October exports to date have been recorded.

Karadeniz, noting that exports are an important commercial activity with positive effects on a country's economic growth, international relations and enterprises' competitive strength, said: "The importance given to exports is increasing so that enterprises can compete in the global market and countries can enhance economic prosperity. For this reason, understanding how exports function and taking the right steps in this field are of critical importance for enterprises and countries."

Noting that according to TİM data, an increase of approximately USD 800 million was seen compared to the previous year, Karadeniz drew attention to the fact that merchandise exports in the first 10 months of 2024 rose from USD 209.7 billion to USD 216.4 billion.

Ömer Karadeniz, emphasizing that enterprises operating in the sector as the umbrella organisation PLASFED should be supported, reminded of developments in the global economy and stated that Turkey's economy continues to increase its strength through policies focused on innovation, production, investment, employment and exports despite all adversities in this environment.

Expressing that they wish to always support Turkey's exports, Karadeniz said: "Our sector needs state support and easier access to financing in the economic recovery process. As plastic industrialists, we will continue to work hard to achieve our targets."