EİB's China Target: $1 Billion in Exports
The Aegean Exporters' Association (EİB) increased its exports to China by approximately 72% over the past three years, rising from USD 300 million to USD 516 million. Accounting for around 21% of Turkey's total exports to China on its own, EİB aims to raise its exports to China to USD 1 billion in the medium term.
Aegean Exporters Associations (EİB) increased its exports to China by approximately 72 percent over the past three years, raising the figure from USD 300 million to USD 516 million. EİB, which accounts for approximately 21 percent of Turkey's total exports to China, aims to increase its exports to China to USD 1 billion in the medium term.
In line with this objective, EİB will organize Turkey's national participation at China-Eurasia Expo 2026, which will be held in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, between 25-29 June 2026.
Muhammet Öztürk, Coordinator Chairman of Aegean Exporters Associations, stated that China represents a market of strategic importance for Turkish exporters, adding:
"While Turkey's exports to China are at approximately USD 3.3 billion, our imports from China approach USD 50 billion. This situation indicates a foreign trade deficit of approximately USD 46 billion between the two countries. We operate on the principle that 'China is as close for exports as it is for imports.' Our goal is to increase the visibility and market share of Turkish products in the Chinese market."
Urumqi, Strategic Gateway to Western China
Öztürk emphasized that holding China-Eurasia Expo in Urumqi, seen as China's gateway to the west, offers important opportunities for Turkish exporters, stating:
"Urumqi is positioned as a strategic centre not only for access to western China but also to Central Asia and the Eurasian region. We believe this organization will not only increase the visibility of Turkish products in the Chinese market but also contribute to the development of long-term and sustainable commercial partnerships."
EİB Expanding Activities in China
EİB organized Turkey's national participation at three different trade fairs in China in 2025, and also organized national participation at Xiamen Stone Fair in 2026.
In November, a large-scale new national participation will be organized in Shanghai as part of China International Import Expo, one of China's most important import fairs.
As part of China-Eurasia Expo 2026, alongside Mehmet Türkel Food Industry and Trade Ltd., Balizza Clothing and Karafırın companies, a Turkish Textile stand created through joint participation by textile exporters associations and the EİB Agriculture stand representing the EİB food sectors will also be present.
Turkish and Chinese Economies Complement Each Other
Öztürk noted that the trade volume between the two countries has reached approximately USD 50 billion, emphasizing that Turkish and Chinese economies have complementary characteristics.
"Turkey exports to China not only raw materials and mining products but also machinery, automotive components, textiles and other value-added products. From China, we import advanced technology products and industrial equipment. This structure offers important opportunities for further developing economic cooperation between the two countries. As EİB, we will continue our efforts with determination to achieve a stronger position in the Chinese market and increase our exports to USD 1 billion in the medium term."
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