Aegean Agricultural Exports Hit Record in September

October 4, 2026 · Dünya Gazetesi

According to data from the Aegean Exporters' Associations, regional exports increased by 11% to $1.705 billion in September, with the agricultural sector becoming the locomotive with an 18% growth.

According to foreign trade data announced by the Aegean Exporters' Associations, regional exports increased by 11% in September compared to the same period last year. Total exports, which were $1.536 billion in the same month last year, reached $1.705 billion this year. Exports between January and September within the Aegean Exporters' Associations increased by 6% from $13.690 billion to $14.482 billion. While Turkey's overall September exports rose by 15.4% to $26 billion, the region's total exports over the last 12 months grew by 4% to $19.290 billion.

According to Aegean Exporters' Associations data, agricultural product exports became the main locomotive of the overall export increase with their strong performance in September. Agricultural exports from the region showed a significant increase of 18%, rising from $644 million to $761 million. In the same period, exports from industrial sectors increased by 5% to $787 million, and mining exports were recorded at $157.7 million with an 11% increase. The dried fruit sector, which has a significant share in transforming agricultural production into added value, generated $96 million in revenue with a 22% increase, while exports of cereals, pulses, and oilseeds increased by 13% to $89 million.

The leadership ranking among the region's exporter associations, which has been ongoing for nine years, officially changed hands as of September. The Aegean Sea Products and Animal Products Exporters' Association took the lead with $193 million in exports, surpassing the steel and iron association, which had been at the top for nine years. The Aegean Iron and Non-Ferrous Metals Exporters' Association, which had been in the first place for a long time, remained at $182.078 million, while the Aegean Tobacco Exporters' Association became the sector with the highest growth rate at 68% and a value of $182.063 million. The Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters' Association exported $109 million, and the ready-to-wear sector exported $106 million.

European Union countries maintained their position as the main market for the Aegean Region's shipments to global markets, with a volume of $807 million and a 47.4% share. In the country-based ranking, the United States climbed to the first position by dethroning Germany with a remarkable 28% increase and a performance of $171 million. Exports to the German market increased by 14% to $157 million, while Italy ranked third with $92.5 million. The region's exports to Far Eastern countries jumped by 43% to $155 million, while the Middle East market decreased by 12% to $130 million, and African shipments declined by 11.5% to $112 million.

The total export figure for the provinces in the Aegean Region increased by 12.4% in September, rising from $2.322 billion to $2.611 billion. İzmir maintained its position as the region's largest export center with $1.235 billion in exports, while Denizli reached $479 million with a 22% increase, surpassing Manisa and taking second place. Manisa recorded $436 million in exports, while Muğla reached $145 million. Balıkesir achieved a record growth of 86%, exporting $119 million. Other provinces in the region, Aydın, Afyonkarahisar, Uşak, and Kütahya, contributed $86 million, $40 million, $36.7 million, and $33.5 million, respectively.

Muhammet Öztürk, Coordinator Chairman of the Aegean Exporters' Associations, announced that the double-digit growth rates achieved in September provide strong morale for the last quarter of the year. Pointing to the tough competition conditions in global markets and geopolitical uncertainties, Muhammet Öztürk stated that they could reach their target of $20 billion by the end of 2026 if access to affordable financing sources for producers and exporters is facilitated. Muhammet Öztürk also stated that an effective infrastructure should be established to prevent operational losses and hardships for the exporter segment in the foreign currency conversion processes implemented by the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey.

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