Chemical Sector Sets Export Record in First Half

According to data shared by the Istanbul Chemical Substances and Products Exporters Association (İKMİB), Turkey's chemical substances and products sector achieved exports of USD 17.1 billion in the first half of 2026, marking the highest six-month export performance on record.

Turkey's total exports in the first half of 2026 reached USD 136 billion, with the chemical sector accounting for 12.6% of total exports. The sector, which increased exports by 8.6% compared to the same period last year, maintained its position as Turkey's second-largest exporting sector.

Strong recovery in the second quarter
The sector achieved exports of USD 15.78 billion in the first half of 2024 and USD 15.75 billion in the same period of 2025, before regaining strong growth momentum in 2026.

Exports remained more limited in the opening months of the year but accelerated with the second quarter. The sector achieved exports of USD 3.10 billion in April and USD 3.29 billion in June, completing the first half with a historic record.

June recorded the year's strongest performance
The most notable data for the chemical sector was recorded in June.

June 2026 exports of USD 3.29 billion represented both the highest monthly export figure of the year and a key performance factor in reaching the first-half record.

June exports showed an increase of 26.9% compared to the same month last year and 48.5% compared to June 2024. Thus the sector entered the second half of the year with strong export momentum.

Aracı: "Our chemical sector has achieved historic first-half performance"
Evaluating the first-half 2026 export results, İKMİB Board Chairman Vefa İbrahim Aracı stated that the chemical sector continued to strengthen its strategic position in Turkey's exports.

Aracı said, "Our chemical sector achieved exports of USD 17.1 billion in the first half of 2026, representing the highest six-month export performance on record. The recovery that began in April was particularly supported by strong export figures in April and June, which was an extremely important indicator for our sector. The USD 3.29 billion in exports we achieved in June enabled us to enter the second half of the year with greater strength."

İKMİB focused on addressing sector challenges
Aracı noted that since taking office in April, they had held seven committee meetings covering different subsectors, stating they had adopted a solution-focused approach by directly listening to the needs of sector representatives.

Noting close cooperation with relevant public institutions, particularly the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Industry and Technology, Aracı indicated that priority issues of the sector were rapidly conveyed to public authorities.

Chemical Technology Center being restructured
Aracı also announced that the current structure of the Chemical Technology Center established by İKMİB was being re-evaluated.

Stating they had conducted comprehensive work on the center's usage capacity, feasibility and financial sustainability, Aracı said they aimed to transform the Chemical Technology Center into a structure that would respond more effectively to sector needs, with increased visibility and sustainability.

He noted that joint studies were being conducted with relevant ministries, public institutions and universities during this process.

"Record first half has created strong momentum for the second half"
Noting that export success achieved during a period of continued global trade uncertainty was an important source of motivation for the sector, Aracı said they would continue working in close contact with exporters in the second half of the year.

Emphasizing that the chemical sector is one of Turkey's strategic sectors due to its production capacity, market diversity and contribution to many areas of industry, Aracı noted that priority goals include enhancing exporters' competitiveness, supporting foreign investment directed at exports, and further increasing the sector's share in Turkey's total exports.

Noting that new support measures announced by the President to facilitate access to financing for exporters would be an important source of encouragement for the sector, Aracı added that the record performance achieved in the first half had created strong momentum for the remainder of the year.