Türkiye’s auto exports surge nearly 10% year-over-year in March
Newly manufactured vehicles lined up for export at Gemlik Port in Bursa, Türkiye, accessed on Feb. 22, 2025. (AA Photo)
Türkiye’s automotive exports rose 9.2% in March compared to the same period last year, reaching $3.5 billion and marking the second-highest monthly export figure in the industry’s history, the Uludag Automotive Industry Exporters’ Association (OIB) reported on Tuesday.
The sector once again ranked first in Türkiye’s overall exports, accounting for 17.5% of total foreign trade.
Commenting on the figures, OIB Chair Baran Celik noted that exports to Germany, France, and Spain saw major increases, with exports to Spain more than doubling.
Germany remained the top destination with $560 million in exports, followed by France at $459 million. While the U.K. saw a slight decrease, markets such as Romania, Greece, and Poland recorded significant growth. Declines were reported in Russia, Italy, and the Netherlands.
EU tops export destinations
Among product groups, the supply industry led with $1.3 billion in exports. Passenger cars followed with $1.1 billion. Exports of goods transport vehicles dropped 11%, while buses and minibuses rose slightly to $267 million.
The European Union remained the largest regional market, receiving 74% of total automotive exports—a 22% year-on-year increase. Exports to the CIS and the Middle East dropped significantly, while exports to the Americas rose 38%.
In the first quarter of the year, the sector’s total exports reached $9.5 billion, up 4% from last year.
