Chemical sector exports reached $2.6 billion in February

According to data from the Turkish Exporters Assembly, Turkey's exports reached USD 21 billion in February with a year-on-year increase of 13.6%. The chemical sector achieved USD 2.6 billion in exports, making it the second-largest exporting sector in February. The sector increased its February exports by 15%. Adil Pelister, Chairman of the Board of İKMİB (İKMİB), commenting on February export figures, stated: "In February, our chemical sector achieved USD 2.6 billion in exports with a 15% increase compared to the same month last year, and captured a 12.4% share of the country's total exports, ranking as the second sector. The devastating earthquake disaster we experienced in February last year had negatively impacted our exports. However, we were affected by global conflicts and tensions, inflation, and supply chain and logistics issues. A recovery process began in the last quarter of the year. Indeed, despite the difficulties our country faced, we achieved 4.5% growth. As the chemical sector, we completed the year with USD 30.6 billion in exports. We are satisfied with the growth performance we achieved in February after January this year. We continue to support our exporters operating in the chemical sector through national participation trade fairs, trade delegations, purchasing delegations, trade fair information visits, training and seminars. In February, we organized 6 events simultaneously in 5 different countries: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Spain and the USA. In March, we will organize national participation in the Panama - Expocomer 2024 Fair, USA - IHS 2024 Fair and Italy - Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna fair. Together with our 16 sub-sectors, we will continue to work to provide greater contribution to exports as a strong chemical sector that adds value to our country."

Plastics and plastic products exports lead the way

In February, plastics and plastic products exports ranked first in chemical substances and products categories with USD 767,638 thousand. Mineral fuels and products ranked second with USD 756,438 thousand in exports, while inorganic chemicals exports ranked third with USD 229,821 thousand. Other sectors ranking in the top ten following inorganic chemicals were: essential oils, cosmetics and soap; rubber and rubber products; pharmaceutical products; paints, varnishes, inks and related preparations; miscellaneous chemical substances; washing preparations; and organic chemicals.

Romania emerged as the top export destination

The top ten countries receiving the most exports in February were Romania, Italy, Netherlands, USA, Germany, Russia, Iraq, Libya, Belgium and Lebanon. Among the top 10 countries in February, the highest increase was recorded in Libya with 192.19%.