Turkey's chemical sector posts record $17.1 bn export in first half of 2026

Turkey’s chemical industry achieved its highest-ever export level for the first six months of 2026, shipping $17.1 billion worth of products – 12.6 % of the country’s total $136 billion export total. Export growth was 8.6 % higher than the same period in 2025 and 8.4 % above 2024, with June alone reaching $3.29 billion, the strongest monthly performance on record.

The Mediterranean chemical exporters, represented by the Akdeniz Kimyevi Maddeler ve Mamulleri İhracatçıları Birliği (AKMİB), also reported a 34 % jump to $3.35 billion in H1 sales, targeting more than $6 billion by year‑end. Leading regions such as Adana contributed $444 million, while Europe remained the top market, especially Italy, Spain and Romania.

Industry leaders highlighted the sector’s strategic role for the Turkish economy, noting intensified dialogue with trade and industry ministries and ongoing efforts to boost technical capacity through the new Chemistry Technology Center.