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EnglishAnatolia Shifts Gears in Exports: 33 Cities in the "Billionaires Club"!
Türkiye’s Foreign Trade Map Undergoes a Structural Transformation in 2025
Turkey’s foreign trade landscape witnessed a transformative shift in 2025. Despite contraction signals in global trade and a challenging economic environment, Türkiye successfully dispersed its production power across Anatolia, closing the year with a historic export record of USD 273.4 billion. Province-based data released by the Ministry of Trade clearly demonstrates that exports are no longer concentrated solely in major port cities but are now rapidly expanding into inland regions as well.
???? Number of “Billion-Dollar Cities” Rises to 33
One of the most striking developments of 2025 was the increase in the number of cities surpassing the USD 1 billion annual export threshold. The number of provinces included in this prestigious group rose from 31 to 33, following the addition of two new standout performers.
Bolu and Giresun Make History:
Bolu, driven by strategic industrial investments, and Giresun, which focused on value-added exports in processed hazelnut products, achieved a historic milestone by entering the “Billion-Dollar Cities” list for the first time.
Bolu, driven by strategic industrial investments, and Giresun, which focused on value-added exports in processed hazelnut products, achieved a historic milestone by entering the “Billion-Dollar Cities” list for the first time.
Exports Increased in 46 Provinces:
More than half of Türkiye’s 81 provinces outperformed their previous year’s export figures, successfully expanding their share in global markets.
More than half of Türkiye’s 81 provinces outperformed their previous year’s export figures, successfully expanding their share in global markets.
???? Export Champions League: The Top Remains Unchanged
According to December data, Istanbul continues to serve as the primary engine of Türkiye’s exports. However, Kocaeli and İzmir are steadily narrowing the gap through investments in digitalized manufacturing and green energy.
| Rank | City | December Exports | Leading Sectors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Istanbul | USD 5.6 Billion | Ready-to-Wear, Jewelry, Finance |
| 2 | Kocaeli | USD 3.2 Billion | Automotive, Chemicals, Steel |
| 3 | Izmir | USD 2.1 Billion | Renewable Energy, Food, Iron |
???? Analysis: The Formula Behind Anatolia’s Rise
The data indicates that this surge across Anatolia is far from coincidental and is the result of three core strategic pillars:
-
Market Diversification:
In response to stagnation in European markets, Anatolian exporters shifted their focus toward the United States, the Middle East, and Turkic Republics. -
Value-Added Production:
From defense industries in Ankara to shipbuilding in Yalova, higher unit export values were achieved across multiple sectors. -
Logistics and Organized Industrial Zone (OIZ) Investments:
Strengthened rail and port connections for OIZs across Anatolia significantly reduced logistics costs, enhancing competitiveness.
⚠️ 2026 “Carbon” Alert
A critical warning accompanies this success story. As of January 1, 2026, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) has entered full implementation. To sustain export growth, industrial powerhouses such as Kocaeli, Bursa, and Izmir must accelerate compliance with the European Green Deal more than ever before.
Editor’s Note:
Türkiye’s export map is now far more balanced and resilient. While Istanbul maintains its financial leadership, Anatolia’s expanding production capacity has emerged as Türkiye’s strongest line of defense in global competition.
Türkiye’s export map is now far more balanced and resilient. While Istanbul maintains its financial leadership, Anatolia’s expanding production capacity has emerged as Türkiye’s strongest line of defense in global competition.
Date: January 13, 2026
