Chemical Sector's Eleven-Month Exports Reach $14.734 Billion

According to data from the Istanbul Chemical Substances and Products Exporters Association (İKMİB), chemical exports in November increased by 20.64% compared to November 2016, reaching USD 1 billion 399 million. The sector's eleven-month export volume rose by 16.04% to USD 14 billion 734 million. Egypt ranked first among the countries with the highest exports in November. Turkey's chemical industry, the country's third-largest exporting sector, continued its growth momentum from the beginning of the year through November. Chemical sector exports in November increased by 20.64% compared to November 2016, reaching USD 1 billion 399 million.

Highest Exports to Egypt in November

Egypt was the leading destination for chemical exports in November. Chemical exports to Egypt totaled USD 97 million 397 thousand in November of this year, up 62% from USD 59 million 960 thousand in November 2016. Other countries in the top ten for sector exports following Egypt were Germany, Iraq, Netherlands, Italy, USA, United Kingdom, Iran, China and Saudi Arabia.

Plastics and plastic products maintain leading position

In subsectors, plastics and plastic products exports continue to drive chemical sector growth. Plastics and plastic products, with November exports of USD 488 million 702 thousand 282, maintained their leading position. Mineral fuels, oils and products ranked second with exports of USD 237 million 286 thousand 120, while rubber products ranked third with USD 121 million 739 thousand 806. Other sectors in the top ten following rubber products were inorganic chemicals, pharmaceutical products, essential oils and cosmetics, soaps and washing preparations, paints, varnishes, inks and preparations, organic chemicals, and miscellaneous chemical substances. Looking at the sector's eleven-month export performance, chemical industry exports reached USD 14 billion 734 million in the January-November period, up 16.04%. The countries receiving the highest exports during this period were United Arab Emirates, Germany, Iraq, USA, Egypt, Italy, Iran, Spain, United Kingdom and Greece. Evaluating the chemical sector's November performance, İKMİB Board Chairman Murat Akyüz stated: "Egypt was our leading destination for chemical exports in November. Our chemical exports to Egypt in November reached USD 97 million 397 thousand. The top three product categories we export to Egypt are adhesives and glues, enzymes, essential oils and cosmetics, and soaps and washing preparations. Following Egypt, Germany, Iraq, Netherlands, Italy, USA, United Kingdom, Iran, China and Saudi Arabia are in the top ten. Despite political developments, we are seeing notable increases to Egypt, Germany and the USA. Our total chemical exports in November reached USD 1 billion 399 million. Over eleven months we have reached USD 14 billion 734 million in exports, and we hope to reach USD 16 billion by year-end. We are pleased to see continued export growth in the chemical sector, which is one of Turkey's top three exporting sectors. As İKMİB, we organize numerous purchasing missions and trade delegations and ensure national participation in the most important trade fairs abroad. We will continue our efforts for sector growth and reaching new markets."