Turkish Exports to Arab Countries in 2025.. A Strategic Partnership Towards $100 Billion

Publication Date: February 2026
By: Economic Analysis Desk - Turktamam

The year 2025 marked a pivotal milestone in the trajectory of economic relations between Turkey and the Arab countries. The strong momentum that began in recent years continued, driven by intensive diplomatic efforts, strategic trade agreements, and a mutual desire to build an economic partnership that transcends geopolitical fluctuations. This report confirms that the Arab world has become an indispensable trading partner for Turkey, not only as a primary export market but also as a launchpad towards broader regional and global markets.

First: Overall Performance of Turkish Exports to the Arab League in 2025

According to data released by the Turkish Exporters' Assembly (TİM) and the Turkish Ministry of Trade, Turkey achieved record figures in its trade with Arab countries during 2025.

Throughout the past year, Turkey held a series of high-level meetings and visits, the most recent being the Meeting of Arab League Ambassadors in Trabzon in January 2026 to review the outcomes of 2025, which confirmed the depth of commercial ties . During this meeting, it was revealed that Turkey's exports to Arab League countries reached approximately $49 billion in 2025 .

Historical Perspective: This figure represents a massive leap compared to two decades ago when exports were barely $5 billion, constituting only 10% of Turkey's total exports at the time, compared to approximately 20% today .

Both sides aspire to raise the volume of bilateral trade to $100 billion as soon as possible, an ambitious but achievable goal given the current dynamism .

Table (1): Development of Turkish Exports to Arab Countries

(Note: The precise figure for 2024 is estimated based on the Union of Chambers President's statement that exports exceeded $50 billion in 2024, while the confirmed figure for 2025 is $49 billion according to TİM data) .

Second: Most Prominent Arab Markets Importing from Turkey in 2025

Turkey's performance was not limited to a single Arab market but was distributed across several key countries, led by the Gulf states, Egypt, and Iraq. Some markets witnessed qualitative leaps thanks to trade agreements.

1. United Arab Emirates: The Fastest Growth in 2025
   The UAE was the most prominent and fastest-growing destination for Turkish exports in the first half of 2025. Thanks to the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that entered into force in 2023, Turkish exports to the UAE jumped by 64.5% to reach $3.26 billion during the first half alone .
   • Main Driver: The jewelry sector led the way, with Turkey exporting jewelry worth $1.81 billion to the UAE in the first six months, benefiting from Dubai's position as a global re-export hub .
   • Global Ranking: The UAE ranked as Turkey's tenth largest export market globally in the first half, and eighth for the full year 2025 with a trade volume exceeding $7.82 billion .
2. Iraq: The Historical Trade Partner
   Iraq continued its strong performance as one of Turkey's most important markets, ranking fifth among Turkey's largest global trading partners for 2025, with an export volume of $9.91 billion . This trade is supported by reconstruction and infrastructure projects in Iraq, with Turkey exporting construction materials, food products (such as bakery products), and furniture .
3. Gulf States: Kuwait, Qatar, Oman
   The last quarter of 2025 saw a strong boost in relations with Gulf countries following President Erdoğan's visit to the Gulf Cooperation Council states. Agreements were reached aiming to raise the trade volume with Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman to $5 billion with each country individually . The trade volume with these three countries in 2025 was as follows :
   • Qatar: $1.1 billion
   • Oman: $1.3 billion
   • Kuwait: $713 million
4. Morocco: A Qualitative Leap in Specific Sectors
   Turkish exports to Morocco recorded a remarkable surge, especially in the metals sector, which jumped by 300% to reach $141 million in the first half, and the furniture sector, which grew by 67% in June . This growth reopened discussions on the free trade agreement between the two countries, which was revised in 2021 .

Table (2): Ranking of the Top Arab Markets Receiving Turkish Exports in 2025

(Note: The list is based on partially available data, as complete official data for some countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt were not detailed in the search results)

Third: Leading Export Sectors to the Arab World

Analysis of 2025 data reveals the diversification of Turkey's export base to the Arab region, which is no longer limited to traditional products but has extended to high value-added industries such as defense and jewelry.

• Chemicals Sector: Ranked first in exports to Arab League countries .
• Cereals and Bakery Products Sector: Ranked second, benefiting from the high demand for Turkish food products .
• Jewelry and Precious Stones Sector: Was the "star" in the UAE market and contributed significantly to the record high in Turkish industrial exports, which reached $143.2 billion in the first 9 months of 2025 .
• Defense and Aerospace Sector: Recorded exceptional growth of 39.3% during the first 9 months, with expectations of increased Arab demand for these products in light of geopolitical developments .
• Automotive Sector: Although Europe tops this list, demand for commercial vehicles and spare parts in Arab markets like Iraq and Egypt remains strong .
• Furniture and Paper Sector: Recorded strong performance in the Moroccan and Libyan markets, achieving notable growth .

Fourth: Strategic Factors Supporting Growth in 2025

This success did not come out of nowhere but is the result of several structural and diplomatic factors converging:

1. Free Trade Agreements: The CEPA agreement with the UAE had a direct impact on simplifying customs procedures and reducing tariffs, doubling bilateral trade . Additionally, negotiations for a comprehensive free trade agreement between Turkey and the Gulf Cooperation Council took place during 2025, to include digital trade and services, which will boost future growth .
2. High-Level Diplomatic Efforts: The continuous visits by President Erdoğan and Turkish officials to Arab countries, and hosting meetings at the level of Arab League ambassadors, created an atmosphere of mutual trust .
3. Stability in Supply Chains: Amid global disruptions, Turkey emerged as a reliable and geographically close partner to Arab markets, capable of meeting their needs quickly and efficiently.
4. Reconstruction Projects: The issue of rebuilding Syria emerged as a new horizon for cooperation between Turkish and Arab businessmen, especially with the lifting of Western sanctions on Damascus, opening a huge market for Turkish companies in construction and infrastructure .

Fifth: Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite the positive picture, trade relations face some challenges, most notably the trade deficit in favor of Turkey with some Arab countries, which has raised sensitivities in markets like Morocco, where local manufacturers demand a review of agreement terms to protect national industry . Non-tariff barriers and visa issues also remain obstacles to the smooth movement of businessmen, an issue Turkish officials have called to be resolved .

Aspirations for 2026 and Beyond:
Eyes are now turning towards enhancing cooperation in technological sectors such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, in addition to health and food security. These are promising areas for partnership between Arab capital and Turkish expertise . With the conclusion of negotiations on Turkey's agreement with the Gulf states, and the growing interest in mega-projects like the Development Road project connecting the Gulf to Europe via Turkey, the future of Turkish exports to the Arab world looks brighter than ever.

Important Note: The figures in this report are based on data released by official Turkish institutions (TİM, TÜİK, Ministry of Trade) and reliable news agencies up to January 2026. Some aggregate figures for 2025 are initial or partial estimates and are subject to update.