Turkey employment index rises 1.7% in Q2 2026

The Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) reported that the employment index for the second quarter of 2026 increased by 1.7% compared to the same period last year. This growth was driven by the construction sector, which saw a 5.0% increase, and the trade-service sector, which rose by 3.1%. Conversely, the industrial sector experienced a 2.2% decline in employment. The gross wage-salary index rose by 35.8% annually, with the highest increases in construction (38.3%) and trade-services (37.1%).

In the construction-related manufacturing and services sectors, the Turkey Ready Concrete Association (THBB) reported a slowdown in July 2026. The Activity Index fell to 99.53, dropping below the 100 threshold, while the Ready Concrete Index declined to 99.2. THBB Chairman Yavuz Işık noted that while confidence showed a slight increase, contractionary pressures persist due to high financing costs and tight monetary conditions.

Separately, Limak Doğu Anadolu Çimento announced its 2026 projections, forecasting a revenue of 9 billion TL and sales of 2.3 million tons of cement and clinker. This represents an expected increase in revenue despite a projected decrease in sales volume compared to 2025.