US Demand Lifts Turkish Exports to $25.9B in October 2026
A 25.7% surge in shipments to North America offset flat European Union demand as total Turkish exports expanded 8.1% year-on-year.
A 25.7% surge in shipments to the United States propelled Türkiye’s monthly exports to $25.9 billion in October 2026, offsetting sluggish performance across core European destinations. Total outward shipments rose 8.1% compared to the same month last year, bringing cumulative 10-month volumes to $236.8 billion, according to a Turkish Sourcing News analysis of Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) data.
Key takeaways
- Overall exports expanded 8.1% year-on-year to hit $25.9 billion in October.
- Shipments to the United States grew 25.7% to reach $1.5 billion.
- Electrical and electronics manufacturing rose 17.6% to $1.9 billion.
Top export sectors, October 2026
| Sector | $ million | Change vs 2025 | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive | 4,032.4 | +5.9% | 18.1% |
| Chemicals | 3,013.9 | +13.7% | 13.5% |
| Electrical and electronics | 1,929.9 | +17.6% | 8.6% |
| Steel | 1,352.6 | +5.1% | 6.1% |
| Ferrous and non-ferrous metals | 1,324.1 | +8.6% | 5.9% |
| Ready-made garments | 1,296.3 | -14.1% | 5.8% |
| Defence and aerospace | 1,140.0 | +61.1% | 5.1% |
| Cereals, pulses and oilseeds | 1,038.6 | -4.7% | 4.7% |
Largest export markets, October 2026
| Market | $ million | Change vs 2025 | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 1,885.2 | +3.9% | 8.4% |
| United States | 1,504.6 | +25.7% | 6.7% |
| United Kingdom | 1,306.6 | +1.4% | 5.9% |
| Italy | 1,144.4 | +7.1% | 5.1% |
| Spain | 929.3 | +0.8% | 4.2% |
| France | 927.5 | +4.0% | 4.2% |
| Iraq | 840.5 | -13.4% | 3.8% |
| Netherlands | 647.0 | +9.2% | 2.9% |
| Poland | 594.4 | -13.6% | 2.7% |
| Egypt | 568.3 | +79.4% | 2.5% |
Source: TİM export registration data; Turkish Sourcing News analysis.
Transatlantic momentum contrasts with flat European demand
Deliveries to North American partners accelerated sharply, driven by strong buying from US importers. Outbound shipments to the United States reached $1.5 billion, making it the second-largest destination for Turkish goods during the month. In contrast, overall regional sales to the European Union dipped 0.9% to $9.4 billion, reflecting broader economic moderation across the single market.
Germany retained its position as Türkiye's top single export destination, taking $1.9 billion in goods, representing a modest 3.9% increase. Industrial demand elsewhere in Europe showed mixed trends: deliveries to Italy grew 7.1% to $1.1 billion, while shipments to Poland dropped 13.6% to $594 million. A Turkish Sourcing News analysis of TİM data shows combined sales across key Western markets rose 3.7% to $9.5 billion.
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Electrical gains lift industrial sectors while garments contract
Industrial sectors anchored the monthly expansion, led by automotive exports, which rose 5.9% to reach $4.0 billion. Electrical and electronics manufacturing recorded strong performance, expanding 17.6% to $1.9 billion. The gain in electrical goods coincides with European buyers reallocating order flows; as Bloomberg.com reported, Turkish appliance manufacturers see a competitive edge over Chinese rivals under updated EU regulations.
Chemical exports also posted robust growth, increasing 13.7% to $3.0 billion. However, traditional consumer goods sectors faced severe pressure. Ready-made garment exports fell 14.1% to $1.3 billion, while general machinery sales dropped 10.5% to $955 million. Non-industrial categories experienced dramatic shifts, as defence and aerospace deliveries jumped 61.1% to $1.1 billion.
Regional diversification accelerates across North Africa and Asia
Beyond North America, Turkish suppliers gained significant ground in regional markets across North Africa and the Middle East. Exports to Egypt expanded by 79.4% to $568 million, while sales to Saudi Arabia climbed 83.9% to $382 million. Overall African regional receipts expanded 28% to reach $2.3 billion for the month.
These gains helped offset contraction in Eastern European and neighboring markets. Shipments to Romania contracted 20.9% to $537 million, while exports to Russia fell 16.8% to $458 million. Near-neighbor trade with Iraq also retreated, declining 13.4% to $841 million.
What it means for international buyers
The October figures demonstrate shifting capacity within Türkiye’s manufacturing base. International procurement teams looking at technical manufacturing, electrical engineering, and chemical inputs are benefiting from expanding production scale and competitive routing into Western markets. The double-digit expansion in high-value electrical engineering highlights increasing supplier maturity in mid-tech supply chains.
Conversely, buyers sourcing soft goods and industrial machinery should monitor structural shifts closely. The sharp pullback in ready-made apparel suggests domestic producers are dealing with altered cost structures or shifting global order allocations. Sourcing directors should evaluate long-term supplier stability in traditional textiles while taking advantage of growing capacity in advanced manufacturing hubs.
Sources
- Export figures, October 2026 — Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM)
- Turkey Appliances Giant Sees Edge Over China With New EU Rules — Bloomberg.com
Frequently asked questions
What were total Turkish exports in October 2026?
Total Turkish exports reached $25.9 billion in October 2026, representing an 8.1% increase compared to the same month in 2025.
Which country was Türkiye's largest export market in October 2026?
Germany remained the largest single market, importing $1.9 billion worth of Turkish goods, an increase of 3.9% year-on-year.
Which manufacturing sector grew fastest in October 2026?
Defence and aerospace registered the fastest growth among major sectors, surging 61.1% year-on-year to reach $1.1 billion.
How did exports to the United States perform in October 2026?
Exports to the United States expanded 25.7% year-on-year to reach $1.5 billion, making the US the primary driver of market gains.
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