Chemical Sector Posts Strong 19.3% Increase in April

 

The chemicals sector, one of Turkey's leading export sectors, sustained strong performance in April 2026. With exports exceeding USD 3 billion in April, the sector became Turkey's second-largest exporting sector. Chemicals exports recorded a 19.3% increase compared to the same month of the previous year. Looking at the first four months of the year, the chemicals sector continued its steady growth. As the sector's exports for the January-April period approached USD 11 billion, it managed to maintain its export strength despite global economic uncertainties.

 

Istanbul Chemical Substances and Products Exporters Association (İKMİB) Chairman of the Board of Management V. İbrahim Aracı made the following remarks in his assessment of April export performance: "Our chemicals sector made a strong start to 2026 and continued its steady export growth in April. The 19.3% increase clearly demonstrates that our sector has maintained its competitiveness despite global challenges. The approximately USD 11 billion in export value we achieved in the January-April period is an important indicator for our year-end targets. Moreover, the new support measures announced by our President will also boost morale in the sector. As İKMİB, our effort will always be directed toward increasing our exports and value-added products. In the coming period, we will continue our efforts without pause toward value-added production, sustainability-focused transformation, access to new markets, and attracting foreign investment for exports to our country. As the chemicals sector, we will continue to make the strongest contribution to Turkey's export targets."

 

In April, among chemical substances and products, plastics and products ranked first in chemicals exports with USD 1,027,166,000. Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products followed in second place with USD 724,134,000 in exports, while inorganic chemicals exports ranked third with USD 271,673,000. Following inorganic chemicals, other sectors in the top ten were: essential oils, cosmetics and soap; rubber and rubber products; paints, varnishes, inks and preparations; pharmaceutical products; miscellaneous chemicals; detergents; and organic chemicals.

 

Italy was the leading export destination in April with USD 221 million. The top ten export destinations in April were Italy, Spain, Romania, Germany, Netherlands, United States, Russia, Egypt, United Kingdom and Poland. Among the top 20 countries in April, Morocco recorded the highest growth rate at 159.42%.