The Turkish auto sector has emerged as a dominant force in the country’s export economy, with Europe receiving the majority of its shipments. According to the latest data from the Türkiye Exporters’ Assembly (TİM), four out of every five vehicles exported by Turkish manufacturers were shipped to European countries in the first 11 months of 2024.
Record Export Performance
The automotive industry maintained its position as Türkiye’s top-exporting sector from January to November 2024, contributing 16.4 percent of the nation’s export revenue. Export earnings from the sector rose by 6 percent year-on-year, reaching $33.7 billion during this period. In November alone, the industry recorded revenues of $3.24 billion, reflecting a 2.3 percent annual increase.
Despite economic challenges in Europe, Turkish carmakers increased their sales to the continent, which accounted for 84.5 percent of the sector’s total export revenue during this period. Exports to Europe grew by 7.4 percent year-on-year, generating $28.5 billion in revenue.
Key European Markets
Germany remained Türkiye’s largest automotive export destination, although shipments declined by 1 percent to $4.4 billion. The United Kingdom emerged as a standout performer, with export revenues surging by 29 percent to $3.83 billion. Exports to Italy also showed significant growth, rising by 10.4 percent to $3.1 billion, while shipments to Spain increased by 3.8 percent to $2.28 billion.
Conversely, exports to France declined by 1.9 percent, amounting to $3.8 billion.
Emerging European Markets
Notable growth was observed in non-traditional European markets. Exports to Serbia surged by 92 percent, leading the list of countries with the highest growth rates. Other key markets included Romania (up 34.8 percent), Iceland (up 34.3 percent), Belarus (up 31.4 percent), and Kosovo (up 30.4 percent).
Non-European Destinations
The United States was the largest non-European market, with exports totaling $1.1 billion. Other significant destinations included Morocco ($499 million) and Iraq ($248 million) in the January-November period.
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