Turkey reports sharp drops in May automotive sales and exports

In May, Turkey's automotive market contracted sharply, with total vehicle sales falling 22.5% to 83,442 units. Passenger car sales dropped 23.1% and light commercial vehicles 20.1%. Electric vehicle sales reached 11,342 units, accounting for 17.3% of the market, while the SUV segment held a 64.8% share.

Trade data for the same month showed a 9.3% decline in exports to $22.5 billion, down from $24.8 billion a year earlier, and a 10.7% fall in imports to $28.1 billion. The trade deficit narrowed to $5.6 billion, its lowest level in nine months, and the export‑to‑import coverage ratio rose to 80.1%, the highest in the last 20 months.