Aegean Exporters' Associations Announce October Export Report

Aegean Exporters' Associations' October exports reached USD 1.243 billion compared to the same period last year, marking the highest monthly export figure of 2020. Turkey's exports in October grew 5.6 percent to USD 17.333 billion. The Aegean Exporters' Associations, which achieved USD 10.540 billion in exports during the January-October period, reached USD 12.781 billion in exports over the last 12 months. Aegean Textile and Raw Materials Exporters' Association became October's growth leader, generating USD 29 million for Turkey with a 37 percent increase. Aegean Ready-Made Garments and Apparel Exporters' Association ranked first with USD 137 million and a 31 percent increase, while Aegean Iron and Non-Ferrous Metals Exporters' Association came second with USD 116 million. Aegean Dried Fruits and Processed Fruits Exporters' Association ranked third with USD 114 million in exports. Fresh fruit and vegetable exports rose 13 percent to USD 28 million, while processed fruit and vegetable exports reached USD 75 million with a 12 percent increase. Aegean Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Exporters' Association achieved total exports of USD 103 million. Aegean Aquatic Products and Animal Products Exporters' Association increased exports 20 percent to USD 93 million in October. Aegean Mining Exporters' Association achieved USD 90 million in exports, while Aegean Tobacco Exporters' Association recorded USD 77 million. Aegean Furniture, Paper and Forest Products Exporters' Association generated USD 55 million for Turkey. Aegean Cereals, Legumes, Oilseeds and Processed Products Exporters' Association achieved USD 38 million, and Aegean Olive and Olive Oil Exporters' Association recorded USD 13 million with a 2 percent increase. Aegean Leather and Leather Products Exporters' Association achieved USD 11 million in exports with a 3 percent increase.

Exports to 185 countries

Jak Eskinazi, Coordinator Chairman of Aegean Exporters' Associations, stated that October's figures represent the highest monthly export on record for the first ten months of 2020. "We saw a 2 percent increase compared to September. Of our 12 exporter associations, 6 increased their exports in October. Our members' industrial products exports showed a 6.3 percent increase, reaching USD 657 million. Agricultural sector exports reached USD 496 million, and mining sector exports totaled USD 90 million. In October, we exported to 185 countries. We managed to increase exports to 94 countries. Among the top 10 countries where we achieved the highest exports are Germany with USD 141 million, the United States with USD 91 million, the United Kingdom with USD 87 million, Italy with USD 80 million, Spain with USD 74 million, the Netherlands and France each with USD 57 million, Russia with USD 33 million, Belgium with USD 31 million, and Israel with USD 28 million."

EU exports up 10 percent

Eskinazi announced that Aegean Exporters' Associations' October exports to European Union countries increased 10 percent to USD 675 million. "Developments in Europe, where we realize 54 percent of our exports, directly concern our country. We see that measures against coronavirus are being tightened once again. Another important matter is that the United Kingdom will completely exit the European Union by the end of this year. The Free Trade Agreement, which will maintain the Customs Union with the United Kingdom after Brexit, is critical for reaching our target of USD 20 billion in trade volume by 2023." Jak Eskinazi added that products worth USD 146 million were sold to Middle Eastern countries, USD 132 million to American countries, USD 86 million to Asian countries, USD 78 million to African countries, USD 68 million to former Eastern Bloc countries, USD 24 million to Free Zones, USD 17 million to other European countries, and USD 15 million to Turkic Republics.