Turkey's chemical sector hits record $17.1 billion export in first half of 2026
The Turkish chemical industry reached a historic export level of $17.1 billion in the first six months of 2026, the highest first‑half‑year total ever recorded. This accounted for 12.6 % of Turkey’s total export volume of $136 billion and represented an 8.6 % increase over the same period a year earlier.
June alone generated $3.29 billion, the strongest monthly performance on record, up 26.9 % versus June 2025 and 48.5 % versus June 2024. The sector’s recovery began in April, with exports of $3.10 billion, and continued to strengthen through the summer.
Industry leader Vefa İbrahim Aracı, chair of the Istanbul Chemical Exporters Association, highlighted the sector’s strategic role in the national economy and noted ongoing dialogue with ministries to sustain the momentum.