Aegean Exporters' Associations Continue Export Record Streak

Ege İhracat­çı Birlikleri (EİB) raised its July exports by 7% compared to the same period last year, reaching USD 1.746 billion and achieving its highest monthly export figure on record. EİB surpassed the previous record of USD 1.743 billion set in June, securing consecutive monthly export records.

In July, EİB increased industrial products exports by 4% to USD 911 million, agricultural sector exports by 5% to USD 677.5 million, and achieved exports exceeding USD 157 million in the mining sector with a notable 47% increase.

Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals Maintained Leadership
The Aegean Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals Exporters Association, with July exports of USD 221.5 million, maintained its leading position within EİB. The association's exports for the first seven months of the year reached USD 1.530 billion, with trailing 12-month exports of USD 2.603 billion.

Aquatic Products and Animal Products Approaching USD 2 Billion
The Aegean Aquatic Products and Animal Products Exporters Association maintained its second position with July exports of USD 191.8 million. The association reached USD 1.141 billion in January-July exports and USD 1.993 billion in trailing 12-month exports with a 14% increase. Annual exports are expected to surpass USD 2 billion in August.

Mining Sector Achieved Its Target Five Months Early
The Aegean Mining Exporters Association, which captured the highest export growth in July at 47%, achieved exports of USD 157.1 million. With trailing 12-month exports reaching USD 1.519 billion, the association achieved five months ahead of schedule its end-of-2026 export target of USD 1.5 billion.

Ready-Made Clothing Growth Extended to Three Months
The Aegean Ready-Made Clothing and Apparel Exporters Association increased its exports in July following May and June, reaching USD 129.6 million. The sector thus completed its third consecutive month of export growth.

Strong Growth in Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exports
The Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association increased July exports by 32%, raising them from USD 94.5 million to USD 124.8 million. Fresh fruit and vegetable exports with a 193% increase were decisive in this achievement.

Tobacco Exports Maintained Stability
The Aegean Tobacco Exporters Association achieved July exports of USD 106.4 million, maintaining its performance from the same month last year. The association's trailing 12-month exports reached USD 1.029 billion with a 3% increase.

Notable Performances Among Other Associations
Aegean Cereals, Legumes, Oilseeds and Products Exporters Association: USD 89.3 million
Aegean Dried Fruit and Products Exporters Association: USD 73 million (USD 1.013 billion in trailing 12 months)
Aegean Furniture, Paper and Forest Products Exporters Association: USD 72.6 million with 15% increase
Aegean Textile and Raw Materials Exporters Association: USD 38.8 million with 15% increase
Aegean Olive and Olive Oil Exporters Association: USD 17.6 million
Aegean Leather and Leather Products Exporters Association: USD 17.4 million
Aegean Region Exports Exceeded USD 3 Billion

According to data from the Turkish Exporters Assembly, the Aegean Region's July exports increased by 6% to USD 3.006 billion, surpassing the USD 3 billion level for the first time.

Izmir generated 57% of regional exports with USD 1.714 billion, while the two free zones in the city contributed USD 295 million to exports.

Denizli increased its exports by 17% to USD 483.8 million, surpassing Manisa to become the Aegean Region's second largest exporting province.

The July export performance of other provinces was as follows:

Manisa: USD 353.3 million
Mugla: USD 139.5 million (+9%)
Balikesir: USD 105.7 million
Aydin: USD 87.2 million (+7%)
Afyonkarahisar: USD 45.3 million (+12%)
Kutahya: USD 40.5 million (+2%)
Usak: USD 36.2 million (+23%)
Germany Regained First Place

Germany, with July exports of USD 160.3 million, became EİB's leading export destination and regained the top position after a two-month interval.

Germany was followed by the United States with USD 138.4 million and Italy with USD 109 million.

Meanwhile, Libya, India, Lithuania, Syria, Vietnam and Turkmenistan were among the markets where EİB's exports increased at three-digit rates in July.

Özturk: "Access to Financing Must Be Facilitated for Sustainable Export Growth"
Aegean Exporters Associations Coordinator Chairman Muhammet Özturk stated that they were pleased with breaking the export record in July following June and exceeding USD 19 billion in annual exports.

However, Özturk noted that six of the 12 exporter associations lagging behind last year's performance is noteworthy and emphasized that access to financing is critical for stronger export growth.

Drawing attention to the financing needs of the agricultural sector in particular, Özturk stated:

"Agricultural sectors constitute approximately 40% of Aegean Region exports. During this period when export seasons are beginning, producers and exporters are making significant purchases. It is impossible to increase exports with financing costs reaching 45-50% levels. We expect new financing models to be implemented by Turkish Eximbank specifically for agricultural sectors."