Kocaeli Closes First Quarter with USD 4.5 Billion in Exports

Kocaeli generated USD 4.554 billion in exports in the first quarter of the year. According to data compiled from Turkey Exporters Assembly (TİM) figures, automotive and chemical companies accounted for USD 3.183 billion of the exports from the city during January-March, representing 70 percent of total shipments. The automotive industry based in the city increased its export performance by 24 percent during this period. The sector ranked first with USD 2.285 billion in exports. The chemical sector, which ranked second in the city's exports, recorded USD 898 million in sales during the first quarter. Ferrous and non-ferrous metals sector ranked third with USD 342 million, the electrical and electronics sector ranked fourth with USD 242 million, and the steel sector ranked fifth with USD 233 million.

Turkey's gateway to the world

Kocaeli, home to 35 port facilities around İzmit Bay and effectively Turkey's gateway to the world, shipped goods to 167 countries and autonomous regions and 14 free zones around the globe during the first quarter. The United Kingdom was the leading export market for Kocaeli in the first quarter. Exports to this country totaled USD 478 million. France ranked second with USD 399 million, followed by Italy with USD 373 million, Slovenia with USD 351 million, and Germany with USD 307 million. The top 10 countries and regions receiving exports from Kocaeli during January-March and the rate of change compared to the same period in 2022 are as follows: Source