Turkey mineral exports reach $5.4 billion in first nine months of 2026

Turkey's mineral exports reached $5.41 billion during the first nine months of 2026, representing a 20.05% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Metallic ores led the growth, with exports rising 30.56% to $2.22 billion. Natural stone exports grew by 5.31% to $1.59 billion, while industrial minerals saw a 13.12% increase to $994.8 million.

China remains Turkey's primary market, with exports to the country surging 47.99% to $1.68 billion. Other significant markets include the United States ($432.7 million), Bulgaria ($384.8 million), Spain ($259.4 million), and Belgium ($211.1 million).

In the Aegean region, the Aegean Mineral Exporters' Association (EMIB) reported that natural stone exports to China grew by 35% between January and September 2026, reaching $101 million. EMIB President İbrahim Alimoğlu has invited Turkish exporters to participate in the Xiamen Natural Stone and Technology Fair in March 2027 to capitalize on increasing demand from Chinese and international buyers.