Ege Mineral Exporters' Association Surpasses $1.5 Billion in Exports

Aegean miners exceeded their USD 1.5 billion export target set for end of 2026 by five months, reaching USD 1 billion 519 million. The Aegean Mining Exporters Association, which increased exports by 47 percent in July, set an export target of USD 1 billion 650 million for year-end.

The Aegean Mining Exporters Association (EMİB), which brings Turkey's underground resources into the economy and contributes to the country's exports, achieved a significant export success in its 35th year of operation. The association increased exports by 11 percent over the past 12 months, raising them from USD 1 billion 365 million to USD 1 billion 519 million.

EMİB thus exceeded its USD 1.5 billion export target set for end of 2026 by five months.

The association's July performance also drew attention. In July, EMİB increased exports by 47 percent, raising them from USD 106.8 million to USD 157.1 million, becoming the association with the highest export growth among the 12 exporters associations operating under the umbrella of the Aegean Exporters Associations.

Natural stone exports reached USD 796 million
The Aegean Mining Exporters Association, which maintains Turkey's leadership in natural stone exports, realized USD 796 million in natural stone exports over the past 12 months.

Natural stone continues to be one of the most important product groups in EMİB's total exports, while the association strengthened its overall performance with increased exports in different mining and natural stone products.

Alimoğlu: "We can reach USD 1 billion 650 million"
Aegean Mining Exporters Association Chairman İbrahim Alimoğlu, noting that the global economy is going through a period of increasing uncertainties and geopolitical risks, stated that exporters have faced significant difficulties in accessing financing in recent years due to developments in exchange rates and high interest rates.

Emphasizing that EMİB's increase in exports despite these conditions is an important success, Alimoğlu said they reached their USD 1.5 billion export target set for end of 2026 five months early.

Alimoğlu said, "We reached our USD 1.5 billion export target five months early. If this growth trend in our exports continues until the end of 2026, we will reach an export level of USD 1 billion 650 million."

Three consecutive months of trade delegations to be organized
The Aegean Mining Exporters Association will continue to expand export markets with sectoral trade delegations it will organize in the remaining part of the year.

EMİB will organize sectoral trade delegations to Uzbekistan in September, Morocco in October and Spain in November. Through three consecutive months of trade delegations, the aim is to increase the effectiveness of the Turkish mining sector in international markets and establish new business connections.

Leading in processed marble exports
Processed marble maintained its top position in EMİB's export performance over the past 12 months.

Processed marble exports were USD 366 million, while precious metal ore exports increased by 49 percent from USD 214 million to USD 318 million. Block natural stone exports rose by 36 percent from USD 146 million to USD 198 million.

These product groups were followed by feldspar with USD 183 million and processed travertine with USD 173 million.

Mining exports reached 163 countries
Aegean miners exported mining products to 163 countries over the past 12 months.

The People's Republic of China led in exports with USD 499 million, while the United States ranked second with USD 254 million in exports. Spain in third place received USD 99 million in exports, followed by Italy with USD 98 million and France with USD 55.5 million.

EMİB aims to increase its effectiveness in existing markets and establish new export connections through trade delegations it will conduct in Uzbekistan, Morocco and Spain in the remaining period of the year.