Despite the loss of working days in May, the Aegean Exporters' Associations (EİB) delivered a notable export performance in the United States and Italian markets. Exports to the US rose by 19%, while exports to Italy increased by 42%, allowing both countries to overtake Germany—long the top market—and become EİB's leading export destinations.
Ege Export Unions (EİB), despite the loss of working days in May, demonstrated notable export performance in the United States and Italian markets. While exports to the USA increased 19% and to Italy 42%, these two countries surpassed Germany, which had held the top position for many years, to become EİB's largest export markets.
Although exporters worked six fewer business days in May due to national and religious holidays, EİB's total exports declined only 5%, while strong performance in strategic markets attracted attention.
Exports to the USA increased 19% to rise from $150 million to $179 million, taking the top position. Exports to Italy climbed to second place with a 42% increase, rising from $98 million to $139 million.
Germany Falls to Third Place for the First Time
Exports to Germany, which had been EİB's largest export market for many years, declined 17% in May, falling from $152 million to $125.6 million. Thus, Germany dropped to third place on a monthly basis for the first time in EİB history.
Nevertheless, Germany maintained its leadership in the first five months of the year with $730 million in exports during the January-May 2026 period.
During the same period, exports to the USA reached $686 million, while exports to Italy increased 29% from $463 million to $598 million.
Strong Performance in Top 10 Markets
In May, EİB's top 10 export destinations were the USA, Italy, Germany, United Kingdom, Spain, Netherlands, France, China, Russian Federation, and Greece.
-Exports to the United Kingdom increased 20% to $97 million,
-Exports to Spain increased 14% to $87.3 million,
-Exports to the Netherlands increased 4% to $64.5 million.
Exports to France totaled $58 million with a 9% decline, while exports to China reached $49 million with a 9% increase. Exports to the Russian Federation reached $45.6 million and to Greece $40 million.
Chemicals Sector Preferred by USA and Italy
In May, the strongest performance in exports to both the USA and Italy came from the chemicals sector.
Chemical product exports to the USA increased remarkably 343% from $13 million to $57.3 million.
Tobacco and tobacco products ranked second in the USA market with $26 million in exports, while the mining sector achieved $20.3 million in exports.
Chemical exports to Italy rose 218% from $15 million in the same month last year to $48 million.
The ferrous and non-ferrous metals sector increased its exports to Italy 80% to $26.5 million, while the aquatic products and animal products sector maintained its strong position in the Italian market with $22.8 million in exports.
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