The Chairman of the Board of Sakarya Ticaret ve Sanayi Odası, A. Akgün Altuğ, evaluated the latest foreign trade data. Commenting on the February export figures announced by the Türkiye İhracatçılar Meclisi, Chairman Altuğ stated:
Sakarya recorded exports worth $390 million in February 2026, representing a 7.1% increase compared to the same month of the previous year, but unfortunately a 30.3% decrease compared to January.
Cumulative Exports Approached $1 Billion in Two Months
In the first two months of the year, our cumulative exports reached $949 million, marking a 17.8% increase compared to the same period last year, and we maintained our position as the 7th highest exporting province in Türkiye.
In February, the top five sectors contributing to Sakarya’s exports were, respectively: automotive industry, iron and non-ferrous metals, chemicals and chemical products, electrical and electronics, and machinery and components.
Increase in 15 Sectors
In February, we successfully increased our exports in 15 out of 25 main sectors compared to the same month of the previous year. Notable growth was recorded particularly in the aquaculture and animal products sector as well as in the automotive industry.
Exports to 115 Destinations Worldwide
In February 2026, Sakarya’s business community exported to 115 destinations worldwide, including free zones. The top five export destinations were France, Spain, Poland, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
Compared to the same period last year, we also achieved exports to 15 destinations where there had previously been no exports. Significant increases were recorded in exports to Egypt, Tanzania, Sweden, the Balkan countries, and France. Overall, exports increased to 53 destinations compared to the same month of the previous year.
Export-to-Import Coverage Ratio Reached 176% in January
According to the January foreign trade data released by the Türkiye İstatistik Kurumu, Sakarya’s export-to-import coverage ratio reached 176% in January, allowing the province to close the first month of the year with a foreign trade surplus of $250 million.
We have left behind another month in which our exports increased compared to the previous year. In just two months, our total exports approached $1 billion, with many sectors drawing attention through their growth and with trade with our partners showing partial development.
On one side, there is a world where new markets and production initiatives are emerging with continuously advancing technology. On the other side, there is a growing geopolitical tension between Iran, Israel, and the United States, which began only a few days ago and is unfolding very close to our region. Beyond its economic implications, the social and humanitarian consequences of such conflicts are deeply concerning. Moreover, disruptions in oil supply centers and the closure of strategic transit routes could hinder logistics operations and introduce new costs to global trade. This tension increases regional risks in international trade, and the uncertainty may particularly affect export-related logistics and payment channels.
As both a country and the Turkish business community, we are closely monitoring developments. We have proven our resilience as the Turkish business world by emerging stronger from past crises. We hope that this crisis will also conclude with minimal damage.
We hope that the global economy will be remembered not for wars, but for technology, value-added production, rich agricultural output, and advancements in the service sector, creating positive impacts worldwide. As always, we will continue to produce in the way we know best.
News Date : 3/3/2026