A. Akgün Altuğ, Chairman of the Board of the Sakarya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, evaluated the latest foreign trade figures announced by the Türkiye İhracatçılar Meclisi (TİM).
President Altuğ stated:
“In April 2026, Sakarya achieved exports worth USD 458.5 million, representing a 23% increase compared to the same month of the previous year and a 36% increase compared to March 2026.”
Cumulative Exports Exceeded USD 1.7 Billion in Four Months
Sakarya’s business community surpassed USD 1.7 billion in cumulative exports during the first four months of the year, maintaining the province’s position as the 7th largest exporting city in Türkiye.
Export Growth in 11 Sectors
In April, Sakarya’s top five export sectors were:
- Automotive Industry
- Jewelry
- Iron and Non-Ferrous Metals
- Chemicals and Chemical Products
- Machinery and Components
Exports increased in 11 of the 25 main sectors compared to the same month of the previous year. Significant growth was recorded particularly in Jewelry, Ornamental Plants and Products, Furniture, Paper and Forest Products, Machinery and Components, and Automotive.
Exports to 115 Destinations Worldwide
In April 2026, Sakarya exported to 115 destinations worldwide, including free trade zones. The top five export markets were:
- France
- Spain
- Poland
- Romania
- United Kingdom
Export Growth to 53 Markets
Compared to the same period of the previous year, Sakarya exported to 15 destinations where no exports had previously been recorded.
Exports to Spain, Romania, the United Arab Emirates, France, Bulgaria, and Morocco increased significantly both in percentage terms and in value. Overall, exports increased to 53 destinations compared to April of the previous year.
Export-to-Import Coverage Ratio Reached 104%
According to foreign trade data announced by the Türkiye İstatistik Kurumu (TÜİK), Sakarya’s export-to-import coverage ratio was 104% in March, generating a foreign trade surplus exceeding USD 350 million during the first three months of the year.
Altuğ: Nearly 11% Growth Compared to 2025
President Altuğ thanked the business community for continuing to compete globally despite challenging market conditions and geopolitical tensions:
“Türkiye recorded its highest-ever April export figure and the second-highest export performance in its history. As Sakarya, we contributed 2.24% of Türkiye’s total exports during the first four months of the year, generated a foreign trade surplus of more than USD 350 million, and increased our cumulative exports by nearly 11% compared to 2025. We believe these figures can rise even further.”
Effects of Regional Conflicts Continue to Impact Markets
Altuğ noted that although Sakarya’s exports are primarily directed toward the European Union, tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran continue to affect global markets.
“Exports to Gulf countries declined by 70% in March and by 54% in April. However, exports to the United Arab Emirates reversed sharply, recording an increase of more than 600% compared to the previous year.
Nevertheless, ongoing tensions continue to create challenges in commodity supply chains and accelerate the search for alternative trade routes. Manufacturers face the risk of waking up each day to new geopolitical tensions and the resulting cost shocks.
Before these conflicts, our country had already taken important commercial steps such as initiatives similar to ‘Made in EU.’ Alongside these positive developments, we must rapidly implement additional measures that will further strengthen our competitiveness.”
News Date : 4/5/2026