Sakarya’s Exports Exceed 2.5 Billion Dollars in the First Half of the Year

A. Akgün Altuğ, President of the Sakarya Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Chairman of the Board of Sakarya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SATSO), A. Akgün Altuğ, stated that in June, the top five sectors in Sakarya’s exports were the automotive industry, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, chemicals and chemical products, steel, and machinery and equipment. Altuğ noted that compared to the previous year, Sakarya increased its exports in 17 out of 25 main sectors, and the total exports in the first half of the year exceeded 2.5 billion dollars.

Altuğ shared that in June, Sakarya’s business community exported to 117 destinations around the world, including free trade zones, with France, Poland, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Germany being the top five countries in export volume.

Increase in Exports from Sakarya to European Countries

Providing further details on Sakarya’s six-month export performance, Akgün Altuğ said: “When we consider the first six months, sectors such as Textiles and Raw Materials, Aquaculture and Animal Products, Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals, as well as Cereals, Pulses, Oil Seeds and Products have shown a significant increase. Our exports increased to 63 countries on a percentage basis. We also recorded notable dollar-based increases to nearly 20 countries. Notably, we saw strong growth in exports to our largest trade partners in Europe, including Romania, Austria, Belgium, Poland, Germany, and France. The mutual Ro-Ro ferry services have played a significant role in this increase. When we look at the foreign trade data for May, Sakarya’s export-to-import ratio for the month stood at 143%, and in the first five months, we recorded a foreign trade surplus of nearly 500 million dollars. I would like to thank all our companies and dedicated workers who continue to produce, compete, and strive to bring Turkish products to the global stage despite all the challenges.”