Turkish Airlines tops Turkey’s 2025 Top‑1000 Exporters list

Turkey’s 2025 export performance set a new record with $395.9 billion in total goods and services, according to the Turkey Exporters’ Assembly (TİM). The organisation’s “Top 1000 Exporters” study shows that the leading 1,000 firms exported $182.1 billion collectively. Turkish Airlines (THY) remains the biggest exporter with $17.8 billion, followed by Ford Otomotiv ($11.4 billion) and Toyota Otomotiv ($3.9 billion). ARCA Defense’s export rose 392 % year‑on‑year, propelling the company from 38th to 5th place. Twenty‑five firms surpassed the $1 billion export threshold, while 434 firms are headquartered in Istanbul, accounting for more than 43 % of the list.

At the TİM “Export Stars” awards ceremony, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and senior ministers presented trophies to sector champions, including companies from the Aegean region, the defence, textile, food‑processing and jewellery sectors. The awards highlighted 11 firms from the Aegean region, among them Üniteks Tekstil (ready‑made garments) and Verde Yağ (olive‑oil). Regional representation was strong: Ankara contributed 57 firms, Gaziantep 60, Kayseri 19 and Adana 20. The ceremony underscored the breadth of Turkey’s export base across automotive, aerospace, steel, chemicals, electronics, and services.

The data also reveal geographic diversity beyond the major hubs. Companies from 49 cities made the list, with notable clusters in Bursa, Kocaeli and other industrial centres. The combined export figures and the public recognition of top exporters illustrate Turkey’s expanding trade footprint and its aim to sustain growth despite global economic headwinds.