Western Mediterranean Region Exports $1.3 Billion

Western Mediterranean Region Records USD 1.3 Billion in Exports The provinces of Antalya, Burdur and Isparta, which comprise the Western Mediterranean region, achieved USD 1 billion 360 million 962 thousand 23 in exports during the first six months of the year. In the preceding six-month period, exports showed a 5.46 percent increase in dollar terms compared to the same period last year. Western Mediterranean Exporters Association Chairman Ümit Mirza Çavuşoğlu provided the following comments regarding export figures: "When examining the exports realized in June in our region on a sectoral basis, while the fresh fruit and vegetable sector experienced a decline compared to June of last year, it accounted for one quarter of June exports. Our mining and metals sector, which ranks second and is dominated by natural stone, demonstrated success in increasing exports by 6.90 percent compared to June of last year. While our wood and forest products sector experienced a decline specific to June, our chemical substances sector increased by 18.28 percent, and our iron and non-ferrous metals sector achieved an increase of 29.34 percent."

Exports to 128 countries

Noting that exports were made to 128 countries and regions in June, Çavuşoğlu stated, "Germany, which has stood out with export figures in recent months, achieved the status of the country with the highest exports despite the decline compared to the same period last year. When examining exports to Russia, which is at war with Ukraine, a slight increase was observed. The fact that exports, which fell by 50 percent when the war began, are now starting to show positive results offers hope for the future. The decline in exports to China continued in this period. Our region's new shining star in exports has been the Netherlands."

Growth figures brought smiles

Çavuşoğlu continued his statement as follows: "During the six-month period, our fresh fruit and vegetable sector and our mining and metals sector, dominated by natural stone, once again demonstrated the greatest success in achieving exports. Our two sectors achieved the remarkable success of generating nearly half of our region's exports. Our wood and forest products sector continues its efforts toward a total of USD 200 million in exports, while our chemical sector surpassed the USD 100 million export mark. Our iron and non-ferrous metals sector attracted attention with export growth approaching 100 percent. Germany was the country with the highest exports from our region during the six-month period, as it was also in June exports. While exports to China experienced a decline, it can be seen that the losses incurred due to the war in exports to Russia are diminishing each month. The Netherlands and the United States brought satisfaction with the increases achieved in six-month total exports."

July target USD 1.5 billion

Noting that when examining the six-month trend of Western Mediterranean export figures, a 5.46 percent increase was achieved reaching USD 1 billion 360 million 962 thousand 23, Çavuşoğlu concluded his remarks as follows: "Exports in July are expected to exceed USD 1.5 billion. As the Western Mediterranean Exporters Association (BAİB), our efforts to increase regional exports continue without interruption. In this context, our natural stone sector traveled to Italy, conducted technical inspections and held meetings with companies. In the coming period, we will continue to organize trade delegations covering our other sectors and carry out activities to increase regional exports."