Turkish Automotive Industry Hits Record $24.4 Billion in Exports Despite Global Headwinds

The Turkish automotive industry continued to be a strong driver of the country's exports in the first seven months of the year, posting a fresh record in overseas shipments, according to a report on Thursday.

The sector achieved an export volume of $24.4 billion (TL 1.16 trillion), marking the highest January-July performance of all time, according to data compiled by Anadolu Agency (AA). Despite lingering geopolitical risks, supply chain disruptions and a challenging global economic environment, the automotive sector has maintained its momentum and continues to break records.

The sector has continuously broken records in the January-July periods for the last four years. Its export volume stood at $23.8 billion in 2025, $20.8 billion in 2024, and $20 billion in 2023, respectively. The highest January-July export volume below these levels was $19.2 billion, achieved in 2018, before the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Resilient Export Engine

While the negative effects of Middle East-driven geopolitical risks on the global economy and growth continue, Türkiye's automotive industry, one of the country's leading export sectors, has continued its streak of record-breaking performances despite challenges. During this period of disrupted supply chains, Türkiye's automotive sector stood out with its strong performance.

The sector maintained its export growth momentum during the January-July period, posting a 2.6% increase in sales compared to the same period a year ago. Total exports from Türkiye in the January-July period increased by 3.4% compared to the same period last year, reaching $161.6 billion, according to data from the Türkiye Exporters Assembly (TIM). The share of the automotive industry in total exports was calculated at 15.1%.

The preliminary trade data for July showed that exports surged 2.9% year-over-year to $25.6 billion, the best-ever figure for July and the second-best monthly figure on record following December 2025.

Germany Tops the List of Destinations

During the period, the highest automotive exports were made to Germany, totaling $3.95 billion. Germany was followed by:

• France with around $3 billion

• Italy with $2.24 billion

• United Kingdom with $2.17 billion

• Spain with $1.95 billion

In terms of value, France ranked first in export growth. During this period, exports from the automotive sector to France increased by $330.8 million. France was followed by Italy with $305.1 million, Germany with $116.7 million, the Netherlands with $107.2 million, and Czechia with $54.5 million in export growth.

The strong performance across European markets underscores the competitiveness of Turkish automotive products and the resilience of the sector's supply chains.

Provincial Contributions

On a provincial basis, the highest automotive exports were made from the northwestern province of Kocaeli, totaling $7.2 billion. Kocaeli, home to major automotive manufacturing facilities, continues to be the heart of Türkiye's automotive production.

During the same period, automotive exports from Bursa amounted to $5.8 billion, followed by Istanbul, Sakarya and Ankara. These provinces form the backbone of Türkiye's automotive industrial ecosystem, hosting assembly plants and a dense network of parts suppliers.

Strategic Significance

The automotive sector's sustained export performance is a testament to Türkiye's growing role as a regional manufacturing hub. As European automakers continue to diversify their supply chains and seek production bases with competitive costs, skilled labor, and proximity to key markets, Türkiye has positioned itself as a critical partner.

The sector's ability to achieve record exports despite geopolitical headwinds—including disruptions in the Middle East and Red Sea shipping routes—demonstrates its resilience and adaptability. The industry's deep integration with European markets, combined with its competitive advantages in manufacturing and logistics, has allowed it to maintain its export momentum.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, the automotive industry is expected to remain a key pillar of Türkiye's export growth. With continued investments in electric vehicle production, battery manufacturing, and new model launches, the sector is well-positioned to capture emerging opportunities in the global automotive market.

However, challenges remain. The transition to electric mobility, changing trade dynamics, and evolving regulatory frameworks in key export markets will require continued adaptation and innovation. The sector's ability to navigate these changes while maintaining its competitive edge will be critical to sustaining its record-breaking performance.

As the global automotive industry undergoes its most significant transformation in decades, Türkiye's automotive exporters are demonstrating that they can compete at the highest level. The record $24.4 billion in exports is not just a number; it is a statement of Türkiye's industrial strength and its growing importance in the global automotive landscape.