Turkey's chemical sector delivered a strong export performance in the first month of the year. According to data from the Istanbul Chemicals and Chemical Products Exporters' Association (İKMİB), the chemical sector exported $2.3 billion worth of goods in January 2026, making a significant contribution to Turkey's overall exports and maintaining its position as the second-largest exporting sector among all industries.
Turkey's chemical sector demonstrated strong export performance in the first month of the year. According to data from the Istanbul Chemical Substances and Products Exporters Association (İKMİB), the chemical sector achieved USD 2.3 billion in exports in January 2026, making a significant contribution to Turkey's overall exports and maintaining its position as the second-largest exporting sector among all sectors.
While Turkey's total exports in January reached USD 20.3 billion, the chemical sector's performance also demonstrated its capacity to adapt to global demand.
Maintained Sector Position with USD 31.9 Billion in Exports in 2025
İKMİB Board Chairman Adil Pelister stated that they completed 2025 with chemical exports of USD 31.9 billion, up 3.8%, emphasizing that the sector maintained its position as Turkey's second-largest exporting sector.
Pelister noted that the chemical sector, together with 16 sub-sectors, supplies inputs to 27 different sectors and continues to maintain a successful and stable trajectory despite challenges in global trade.
USD 35 Billion Export Target for 2026
Pelister stated that they entered 2026 with an export target of USD 35 billion, and said they have planned active promotion and organization activities in foreign markets throughout the year to reach this target. Accordingly, the sector aims to implement 42 export promotion organizations targeting 25 countries.
It was reported that in January, the sector conducted 2 national pavilion participations in trade fairs, 1 trade fair information booth and 2 sectoral trade missions as part of foreign promotion activities. These events are expected to make a positive contribution to exports.
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