The October Abundance in EIB Exports

Aegean Exporters’ Associations (EİB) signed a $1 billion 619 million export in October. EİB managed to increase its export of $1 billion 466 million in October 2023 by 10%.

In October, Turkey’s exports rose from $22.8 billion to $23.6 billion with a 3.6% increase. The export level of $1 billion 619 million in October by EİB was recorded as a monthly record for the first 10 months of 2024. EİB recorded an export of $15 billion 233 million with a 1% increase in the 10-month period of 2024.

9 associations increased their exports, 6 associations exceeded the $100 million threshold

Among the 12 exporter associations under EİB, 9 were successful in increasing their exports compared to October 2023, while 3 associations fell behind their performance from the same month. 6 out of the 12 associations managed to exceed the $100 million threshold in exports. Aegean Exporters’ Associations increased their industrial product exports by 4% from $756 million to $786 million in October, while the agricultural sectors’ exports rose by 14% from $627 million to $716 million. Aegean miners maintained their successful performance in 2024 in October as well, increasing the foreign currency they brought to Turkey from $82.8 million to $116.6 million with a 41% export increase.

Iron and non-ferrous metals exports maintained their lead

The Aegean Iron and Non-Ferrous Metals Exporters’ Association, which has been the export champion for many years under EİB, increased its exports from $179 million to $184 million with a 3% increase in October, maintaining its top position under EİB.

Olive and olive oil exports became the record holder for export increase

Entering the 2024/25 season with a harvest of 475 thousand tons of olive oil and 750 thousand tons of table olives, the Aegean Olive and Olive Oil Exporters’ Association raised its exports by 51% from $30 million to $45.3 million in October. EZZİB became the record holder for export increase under EİB in October with this performance and signaled new export records to be broken in the coming months.

Seafood and animal products lead food exports

The Aegean Seafood and Animal Products Exporters’ Association, which includes seafood, poultry meat, eggs, dairy products, and honey exports, increased its exports from $128.7 million to $156.4 million with a 21% increase in October, maintaining its peak partnership within EİB.

Dried fruit exporters shifted into higher gear

The Aegean Dried Fruits and Products Exporters’ Association, which exports dried fruits recognized on the list of healthy foods by the World Health Organization, is experiencing a busy export period with the start of the 2024/25 season for seedless raisins, dried apricots, and dried figs. EKMİB increased its exports from $122 million to $144 million in October.

$129 million export in fresh fruits, vegetables, and products

The Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters’ Association, which started the satsuma mandarin export season in October, raised its exports from $127 million in October 2023 to $129 million in October 2024 with a 2% increase.

The Aegean Region’s exports amount to $2 billion 816 million

The Aegean Region increased its exports from $2 billion 601 million to $2 billion 816 million in October 2024 with an 8% increase. İzmir continues to dominate the exports of the Aegean Region with an export of $1 billion 488 million, while the two free zones in the Aegean Region contributed $288 million 80 thousand to İzmir’s exports. Manisa increased its exports from $515 million to $522 million, while Denizli’s exports rose from $334 million to $386 million with a 16% increase. Aydın, the capital of dried fig production, achieved an export of $111.4 million in October, while Muğla, the leader in Turkey’s seafood exports, brought $104.5 million in foreign currency to Turkey. Balıkesir followed Muğla with an export of $102.4 million.

“Exporters support the MTP”

Jak Eskinazi, the Coordinator President of the Aegean Exporters’ Associations, pointed out that achieving export targets is crucial for the success of Turkey’s medium-term stability program. He noted that Turkey’s export performance in October supports the MTP (Medium Term Program).

Eskinazi stated, “We could have presented a more successful picture in exports,” and mentioned, “Turkish exporters created a successful picture in exports during a period of recession in global markets. As members of the Aegean Exporters’ Associations, we have exceeded the Turkish average. Decisions on interest rate cuts to be taken in 2025 in the United States, the European Union, and our country will positively contribute to Turkish exporters’ access to finance. We believe that a more favorable climate will emerge for our exporters worldwide in the second half of 2025. We will work with all our strength to achieve the export target of $279.6 billion set for 2025 in the MTP. We must keep our ships afloat.”