Seafood Sector Tops Aegean Exports

October 4, 2026 · Tarım Pusulası

Aegean Exporters' Associations' September exports reached $1.7 billion with an 11% increase, as the seafood and animal products sector became the Aegean's export leader for the first time in nine years.

According to Aegean Exporters' Associations data, regional exports increased by 11% in September, reaching $1 billion 705 million. Based on the announced foreign trade figures, EIB's total exports for the nine-month period rose by 6% to $14 billion 482 million, while exports over the last year increased by 4% to $19 billion 290 million. During the same period, Turkey's overall export performance also rose by 15.4% to $26 billion, supporting general economic growth.

The momentum shown by agricultural product exports in regional performance was noteworthy. According to EIB records, exports from the agricultural sector increased by 18% in September, reaching $761 million. Industrial product exports grew by 5% to $787 million, while mining sector exports, covering data from the Aegean Mine Exporters' Association, increased by 11% to $157.7 million. This surge in agriculture formed the primary driver of the overall export increase.

Export leadership within the association changed hands in September for the first time in nine years. The Aegean Sea Products and Animal Products Exporters' Association ranked first with $193 million in exports. The Aegean Iron and Non-Ferrous Metals Exporters' Association ranked second with $182 million 78 thousand, while the Aegean Tobacco Exporters' Association took the title of September's growth champion with $182 million 63 thousand in exports and a 68% increase rate.

Activity was also recorded in the performance of other agricultural associations. The Aegean Dried Fruits and Products Exporters' Association, which began the 2026/27 season, exported $96 million with a 22% increase. The Aegean Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds and Products Exporters' Association reached $89 million with a 13% increase. The Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters' Association exported $109 million, the Aegean Ready-to-Wear and Apparel Exporters' Association $106 million, the Aegean Furniture, Paper and Forest Products Exporters' Association $70 million, the Aegean Textile and Raw Materials Exporters' Association $24.1 million, the Aegean Olive and Olive Oil Exporters' Association $20.5 million, and the Aegean Leather and Leather Products Exporters' Association $12.5 million.

On a regional basis, the European Union was the largest market with $807 million and a 47.4% share. Exports to the Americas increased by 18% to $221 million, and to the Far East by 43% to $155 million. Shipments to the Middle East decreased by 12% to $130 million, and to Africa by 11.5% to $112 million. On a country basis, the US surpassed Germany to become the leader with a 28% increase and $171 million. Germany recorded $157 million in exports, and Italy $92.5 million. The Aegean Region's total exports were $2 billion 611 million, with İzmir contributing $1 billion 235 million, Denizli $479 million, Manisa $436 million, Muğla $145 million, Balıkesir $119 million, Aydın $86 million, Afyonkarahisar $40 million, Uşak $36.7 million, and Kütahya $33.5 million.

Muhammet Öztürk, Coordinator Chairman of the Aegean Exporters' Associations, stated that the September results are promising for the final quarter of the year. Highlighting the vital importance of exporters' access to finance amidst global competition and geopolitical risks, Muhammet Öztürk made the following assessment:

Öztürk also conveyed that they expect the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey to make regulations that will not disadvantage exporters in its foreign currency conversion practices.

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