A. Akgün Altuğ, Chairman of the Board of the Sakarya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, evaluated the latest foreign trade figures announced at the beginning of the new month.
Commenting on the March export data released by the Türkiye İhracatçılar Meclisi, Chairman Altuğ stated:
“Sakarya recorded $338 million in exports in March 2026, representing a 15.1% decrease compared to the same month of the previous year.”
Three-Month Cumulative Exports Approached $1.3 Billion
In the first three months of the year, the cumulative exports of Sakarya’s business community approached $1.3 billion, maintaining the city’s position as the 7th highest exporting province in Türkiye.
Automotive Industry Maintains Its Leadership
In March, the top five sectors contributing to Sakarya’s exports were automotive industry, iron and non-ferrous metals, chemicals and chemical products, steel, and machinery and components.
Increase in 7 Sectors
Exports increased in 7 out of 25 main sectors compared to the same month of the previous year. Particularly significant percentage increases were observed in the furniture, paper and forest products, ornamental plants and products, and mining products sectors.
Exports to 107 Destinations Worldwide
In March 2026, Sakarya’s business community exported to 107 destinations worldwide, including free zones. The top five export destinations were France, Spain, the United Kingdom, Poland, and Italy.
Compared to the same period last year, exports were also made to five destinations where there had previously been no exports. Significant increases—both in percentage and value—were recorded in exports to Libya, Morocco, Estonia, Portugal, and Ireland. In March, exports increased by 100% or more to 18 countries and by over 50% to 13 countries, while exports rose to 48 destinations overall compared to the same period of the previous year.
Export-to-Import Coverage Ratio Reached 125% in February
According to the February foreign trade data announced by the Türkiye İstatistik Kurumu, Sakarya’s export-to-import coverage ratio reached 125%, resulting in a foreign trade surplus of $335 million in the first two months of the year.
Chairman Altuğ continued:
“I would like to thank our entire business community who continue to work, produce, and strive to compete globally despite intense competition and geopolitical tensions. In the first three months of the year, Sakarya alone contributed 2.31% of Türkiye’s total exports, and we are progressing with a foreign trade surplus exceeding $335 million. We believe these figures will grow even further.”
Rising Tensions Are Hitting Global Trade
“Today, exporting requires far more than the simple formula of produce–market–sell. Rising geopolitical tensions are dealing a blow to global trade. Established systems and planned production and shipment processes can collapse within a single day; we are currently witnessing this in the tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed.”
Exports to Gulf Countries Down by 70%
“Our exports to Gulf countries have dropped by around 70%, and businesses that import raw materials from the region are seeking alternative solutions. Under such difficult conditions, we must strengthen our competitive position even further.
With the war driving up oil and raw material prices, our business community is facing serious challenges. Support mechanisms must be activated quickly. Despite the tensions in our region, Türkiye continues to be seen as a safe hub for production and trade thanks to its strong infrastructure. To maintain our competitiveness during this process, support is essential.”
News Date : 3/4/2026