Türkiye’s furniture, paper and forest products sector recorded $731.1 million in exports in July, marking a 6% increase compared with the same month last year. Stronger activity in European markets contributed to the sector’s export performance, with exports to France rising by 40%, the United Kingdom by 10.1%, and Bulgaria by 27.1%.
Adem Derinel, Chairman of the Mediterranean Furniture, Paper and Forest Products Exporters’ Association (AKAMİB), said the July figures provided encouraging signs of recovery, particularly in European markets. He also emphasized that production costs, access to financing and exchange-rate dynamics continue to directly influence the competitiveness of Turkish furniture exporters.
Türkiye’s furniture, paper and forest products sector exported $731.097 million in July, representing 6% growth compared with July of the previous year. Meanwhile, AKAMİB recorded exports of $74.331 million, down 11.6%.
During the first seven months of the year, Türkiye’s total sector exports reached $4.474 billion, representing a 0.7% decline compared with the same period last year. AKAMİB’s exports during the January–July period decreased by 14.8% to $466.866 million.
Iraq Remains the Leading Market as France Records Strong Growth
Iraq, the United Kingdom, the United States, Libya and Morocco were the top five export markets for Türkiye’s furniture, paper and forest products sector in July.
Among the sector’s top 10 markets, the strongest export increases were recorded in France, Libya and Bulgaria. Exports to France increased by 40%, while shipments to Libya rose by 36.3% and exports to Bulgaria increased by 27.1%.
Iraq also maintained its position as AKAMİB’s largest export market in July. France, Syria, Romania and the United States followed.
Among AKAMİB’s markets, the most significant increases were recorded in exports to France, the United States and Jordan. Exports to France increased by 198.7%, while shipments to the United States rose by 29.1% and exports to Jordan increased by 18.5%.
Looking at the January–July period, Iraq remained Türkiye’s largest export market, with exports reaching $528.1 million. The United Kingdom, the United States, Morocco and Libya followed.
Among the top 10 markets during the first seven months, the strongest growth was recorded in exports to France, up 17.3%, and Bulgaria, up 15.6%. Exports to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus also increased by nearly 20%, reaching $76.7 million.
Iraq continued to lead AKAMİB’s January–July exports, followed by Syria, France, Germany and Romania. Iran recorded the strongest growth, with exports increasing by 165.7%. Exports to France rose by 46.1%, while shipments to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus increased by 9.8%.
“Cost Management Has Become Just as Critical as Market Diversification”
Commenting on the July export figures, AKAMİB Chairman Adem Derinel said the sector was closely monitoring signs of recovery, particularly in European markets.
“The July figures show that our exports have begun regaining momentum in certain markets. The revival in European demand, especially in France, is a positive development for our sector. At the same time, production costs, access to financing and exchange-rate dynamics directly affect our exporters’ competitiveness.”
Derinel also welcomed the new support measures announced by Trade Minister Ömer Bolat, particularly those related to the foreign-currency conversion scheme, as well as preparations for additional regulations aimed at exporters.
“As the details of these measures become clearer, this approach could provide exporters with some relief in terms of financing and cash flow. We would therefore like to thank the Minister.”
Productivity and Value-Added Production Remain Key to Export Growth
Emphasizing that a productivity-focused production model is just as important as market diversification for the sector’s medium-term growth, Derinel highlighted the need for Turkish furniture exporters to focus on value-added production.
“Sustainable success in exports depends not only on sales volumes but also on the capacity to produce value-added goods. Our companies are making intensive efforts to enter new markets.”
According to Derinel, expanding into new markets can create sustainable results only when supported by stronger production capabilities and competitive cost structures.
“For these efforts to deliver lasting results, it is essential to reduce financing costs, ease the burden on production and effectively implement support mechanisms that will strengthen exporters’ competitiveness.”
The July figures indicate that European market demand is showing signs of recovery, while Türkiye’s furniture, paper and forest products sector continues to navigate cost pressures, financing challenges and intense international competition. Strengthening productivity, expanding market diversity and increasing the share of value-added products will remain key priorities for Turkish exporters in the period ahead.
