Chemical Sector Posts $3 Billion in Exports in March

According to data from Turkey's Exporters Assembly (TİM), Turkey's exports reached USD 21.9 billion in March 2026. The chemical sector achieved USD 3 billion in exports during March, capturing 15.2 percent of total exports. The sector closed the first quarter with USD 7.5 billion in exports, maintaining its status as Turkey's second-largest exporting sector.

The chemical sector, one of Turkey's export drivers, continued its effectiveness in global markets during March in line with 2026 targets. The sector increased its exports by 8.7 percent compared to the same period last year, which stood at USD 2.7 billion, while exports in the first three months of 2026 exceeded USD 7.5 billion.

Adil Pelister, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Istanbul Chemical Substances and Products Exporters Association (İKMİB), commenting on the chemical sector's March export figures, stated: "Despite global and regional geopolitical developments and the effects of armed conflicts in our immediate vicinity, we managed to increase our chemical sector exports in March. We achieved approximately USD 3 billion in chemical substances and products exports in March. In the first three-month period, our sector exports exceeded USD 7.5 billion. Taking into account the adverse conditions we face, we view this increase as a major achievement and take pride in our exporters. Particularly, the tensions in the Gulf region can cause fluctuations in energy and oil prices, disruptions in logistics routes, and restructuring in supply chains. This situation emerges as a factor that increases cost pressure for our sector, which is dependent on energy and petrochemical inputs. On the other hand, the renewed importance of supply security in nearby geographies, particularly in Europe, will create a competitive advantage for both the Turkish chemical sector and our other sectors. We hope that conflicts, which have caused many negative effects in the global economy, particularly inflation, will end as soon as possible. During this period, İKMİB prioritizes increasing exports to nearby and alternative markets, strengthening market diversification, and increasing trade delegations and sectoral cooperation, while supporting our exporters. We will continue to work with all our efforts to advance our current performance and increase our exports," he said.

Mineral fuels and products had the highest exports in March
In March, mineral fuels and products ranked first in chemical substances and products exports with USD 1,029.6 million. Plastics and plastic products ranked second with USD 779.472 million in exports, while inorganic chemicals exports ranked third with USD 237.727 million. Other sectors among the top ten following inorganic chemicals were: essential oils, cosmetics and soap; pharmaceutical products; rubber and rubber articles; paints, varnishes, inks and preparations; miscellaneous chemical substances; organic chemicals; and washing preparations.

Italy was the top export destination in March
Italy was the leading export destination in March with USD 209 million. The top ten export destinations in March were Italy, Malta, Spain, Romania, Morocco, Germany, Georgia, the United States, Russia, and the United Kingdom. Among the top 20 countries, Malta had the highest growth rate in March at 386.41 percent.