Turkey’s $6.2 Billion Export to Neighboring Countries in the First Quarter of the Year

According to data published by the Ministry of Trade of Turkey and the Turkish Exporters Assembly, Turkey’s exports in the first quarter of 2025 reached 65.3 billion dollars. Of this amount, more than 6.2 billion dollars were allocated to neighboring countries including Bulgaria, Ermenistan, Gürcistan, Irak, İran, Suriye, and Yunanistan.

5.6 Percent Growth in Exports Compared to Last Year

During the period from January to March of this year, Turkey exported a total of 6 billion 243 million 71 thousand dollars to these seven neighboring countries. This figure was 5 billion 910 million 298 thousand dollars during the same period last year, indicating a 5.6 percent growth in exports.

Irak at the Top of Export Destinations

Among these countries, Irak was the largest export destination for Turkey, with imports exceeding 2 billion 563 million dollars. It was followed by Bulgaria with 1 billion 176 million dollars, Yunanistan with 910 million dollars, İran with 544 million dollars, and Gürcistan with 539 million dollars.

Impact of Improved Relations with Suriye on Trade

Political and commercial relations between Turkey and Suriye entered a new phase after the developments of December 8, 2024. With increased diplomatic visits and the lifting of certain trade restrictions, positive effects were observed in export statistics.

Turkey’s exports to Suriye in the first quarter of 2024 amounted to 386 million 986 thousand dollars. This figure rose to 507 million 889 thousand dollars in the same period of 2025, with a growth of 31.2 percent.

Share of Other Countries in Turkey’s Exports

After Suriye, Ermenistan had the smallest share among neighboring countries with only 106 thousand dollars. However, the highest annual growth in exports belonged to Yunanistan.

In the first quarter of last year, Turkey exported 660 million 238 thousand dollars to Yunanistan, while this figure rose to 910 million 145 thousand dollars this year, marking a growth of 37.9 percent.

Turkey’s Land Neighbors

Turkey has 8 land neighbors including İran, Irak, Gürcistan, Yunanistan, Bulgaria, Nahçıvan, Suriye, and Ermenistan. However, due to lack of export data from Nahçıvan, this region was not included in the calculations.