Regional Export Meetings Continued in Antalya
The eighth session of the TİM Regional Export Meetings program was hosted by the Western Mediterranean Exporters' Association (BAİB).
The eighth edition of the “TİM Regional Export Meetings,” organized by the Türkiye Exporters Assembly (TİM), was held in Antalya under the auspices of the Western Mediterranean Exporters Association (BAİB). Following previous meetings convened in İzmir, Trabzon, Mersin, Bursa, Gaziantep, Denizli, and Ankara, exporters in Antalya were brought together on this occasion. The program was attended by TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe, BAİB Chairman Ümit Mirza Çavuşoğlu, members of the TİM Board of Directors, the chairmen and executives of associations affiliated with BAİB, as well as representatives of numerous exporting companies.
Within the scope of the program, Türkiye's export performance for the 2015–2025 period and its 2028 targets were assessed, while exporters' access to financing sources, challenges encountered in export processes, and strategies aimed at strengthening regional exports were also discussed.
“Our target for next year is USD 282 billion”
Speaking at the opening of the program, TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe stated that they had come together to consult, to discuss challenges and difficulties, and particularly to address export-related issues. Noting that they also listened to participants, Gültepe emphasized that the program was organized both to evaluate exports and to provide information.
Explaining the evolution of Türkiye's exports between 2015 and 2025, Gültepe drew particular attention to the increase observed after the Covid-19 pandemic period. He noted that exports in the first eleven months of 2025 increased by approximately 3.4–3.5 percent compared to the same period of the previous year, adding that they anticipated closing the year at this level. Gültepe stated, “In the Medium-Term Program, the 2028 export target was revised downward from USD 375 billion to USD 308.5 billion. Our target for 2026 is USD 282 billion.”
Record increase in exports to Syria
Sharing export data by country, Gültepe reported that Germany ranked first with USD 20.4 billion, marking an 8.6 percent increase in exports to this market. Exports to the United Kingdom, which ranked second, exceeded USD 15.1 billion with a 9 percent increase. The most striking rise was recorded in exports to Syria, with Gültepe noting that Syria climbed to third place with an increase exceeding 54 percent and exports amounting to USD 3 billion.
“High-technology exports are stagnating”
Touching upon service export targets, Gültepe announced that a target exceeding USD 200 billion was envisaged for 2028. Sharing export figures by technology level, he underlined that Türkiye has yet to reach the desired level in high-technology exports.
Gültepe stated that medium- and low-technology products together accounted for USD 145 billion, while medium-high technology stood at USD 100 billion, and emphasized that high-technology exports remained below USD 10 billion. He said, “The share of high technology in exports hovered around 3 percent between 2015 and 2025. The highest level was 3.8 percent in 2023. In other words, exports are increasing, but high technology remains stagnant.”
“Competitiveness has weakened over the past three years”
Citing USD 5 billion in imports in the ready-to-wear sector as an example, Gültepe pointed out that Türkiye has shifted toward imports rather than domestic production. He emphasized that producers and exporters have been under severe cost pressure over the past three years, stating, “The increase in the minimum wage is 424 percent, inflation has risen by 356 percent, the Euro/TL by 218 percent, and the USD/TL by 212 percent. The balance between exchange rates and costs has deteriorated. If Türkiye has become expensive, the fundamental reason is exchange rate pressure. This is where our competitiveness has weakened.”
Referring to the initiatives undertaken by TİM, Gültepe noted that they are working intensively on the green transformation and that all sectors must be prepared for it. He added that the foreign exchange conversion support has been extended until April 2026, and that Turk Eximbank provided exporters with approximately USD 50 billion in support in 2025.
Ümit Mirza Çavuşoğlu, Chairman of the Western Mediterranean Exporters' Association (BAİB), which covers Antalya, Isparta, and Burdur, also stated that the program constituted a significant meeting.
Exporters briefed on financing opportunities
Following the opening speeches, the program continued with the “Exporters Ask” session. During this segment, TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe and BAİB Chairman Ümit Mirza Çavuşoğlu listened to the issues faced by exporters. Subsequently, representatives of Turkish Eximbank, Türk Ticaret Bankası, and İGE A.Ş. delivered a presentation titled “Financing Supports for Exporters.” At the conclusion of the meeting, TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe and BAİB Chairman Ümit Mirza Çavuşoğlu presented plaques to BAİB's former chairmen and to the previous leaders of various sectors.
Türk Ticaret Bankası's Antalya branch opened
Following the TİM Regional Export Meetings program, TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe attended the opening ceremony of Türk Ticaret Bankası's branch in Antalya. Recalling that Türk Ticaret Bankası resumed operations last year, Gültepe stated, “Access to affordable and long-term financing is of critical importance for our exporters. Based on this need, Türk Ticaret Bankası, which we have brought into our export family through İGE A.Ş., provides our companies with direct, swift, and favorable financing support, while serving our production strength and our export-oriented development vision.”