Turkey reports diverse export growth in free zones and agricultural sectors

Turkey's Ministry of Trade has released data showing significant performance across various export sectors for the first nine months of the year. In the free zones sector, exports reached $9.8 billion, marking a 6.3% increase compared to the same period last year. A notable shift toward high-value goods was observed, with medium-to-high technology products accounting for 58.4% of total free zone exports. The Aegean Free Zone led this sector, contributing $2.542 billion, or 25.8% of the total.

In the agricultural sector, Turkey maintained its position as a global leader in pickle production. Pickle exports reached $301.6 million, sent to 121 countries, with Germany being the largest market. Pepper and cucumber pickles were the primary drivers, representing approximately 86% of the total value.

Conversely, the Southeast Anatolia dried fruit sector saw a decline. Exports fell by 22.9% to $183.9 million, with a 30.5% decrease in volume. Despite the overall drop, specific products showed strong growth, including dried figs, which increased by 55.4%, and walnuts, which rose by 40%. Dried apricots and pistachios remained the top contributors to the region's dried fruit exports.