Türkiye’s high-tech exports near $10B amid strategic growth plans
A Turkish port with container ships. (AA Photo)
Türkiye’s high-tech product exports are approaching $10 billion, signaling significant progress in the country’s manufacturing industry, according to Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir.
Türkiye’s exports of medium-high and high-tech products in the manufacturing industry reached $100 billion in 10 years. The minister highlighted that Türkiye’s mid-to-high and high-tech product exports set a record of $97.3 billion in 2023, reaching $73.4 billion in the first nine months of this year.
Consistent growth in high-tech exports
The Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) and the 2025 Presidential Annual Program indicate that Türkiye’s high-tech product exports have been steadily climbing over the past decade.
In 2013, these exports stood at $53.1 billion and rose to $60.1 billion by 2017. The upward trend continued, with exports reaching $77.4 billion in 2021 and $88.7 billion in 2022.
This year’s January-to-September period saw exports amounting to $73.4 billion, showing resilience and growth despite global economic challenges.
Plans for future expansion
Minister Kacir outlined the government’s vision to accelerate industrial transformation through policies promoting high-value production. “We continue our programs and support with determination to boost our exports,” he said, forecasting that high-tech exports will reach approximately $104 billion in 2024 and $117.1 billion in 2025.
The minister emphasized that increasing the share of mid-to-high and high-tech products in manufacturing exports is a strategic priority.
New incentive programs, digital technologies
Kacir noted that Türkiye has developed a comprehensive infrastructure to support high-tech investments, mentioning the growth of Organized Industrial Zones (OIZs) from 191 to 362 and the establishment of 45 industrial zones. Over 11,000 companies are now operating in 104 technoparks across the country.
The government has introduced a variety of incentives, including the “Technology-Oriented Industry Move Program,” which has facilitated investments totaling ₺102 billion ($2.97 billion). This program supports the full cycle of high-tech investment, from R&D to mass production.
The “Advance Loan for Investment Commitment” program provides attractive, long-term financing options for high-tech ventures.
“We are committed to deploying new incentive mechanisms aligned with the twin transformation needs of our industrialists,” Kacir said. He highlighted that the HIT-30 High-Tech Investment Program aims to position Türkiye as a prime destination for new technology investments, providing project-based incentives and market development support.
Strategic focus on emerging technologies
Kacir also announced the inclusion of eight digital technology areas in project calls: big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), industrial robotics, smart sensor technologies, artificial intelligence-driven cyber-physical systems, cybersecurity, intelligent and flexible automation systems, and augmented/virtual reality.
