Cevdet Yılmaz: Our 2029 Export Target is 450 Billion Dollars

Yılmaz met with business world representatives at the opening of the 21st MÜSİAD EXPO and the 29th IBF International Business Forum. Drawing attention to geopolitical tensions in the global economy, increasing protectionist tendencies and the rise in freight costs, Yılmaz stated that Türkiye differentiates itself positively with its production capacity and export performance.

2029 EXPORT TARGET IS 450 BILLION DOLLARS

Stating that efforts are continuing to renew customs administrations and customs gates in order to facilitate foreign trade, Yılmaz stated that transaction capacities will be increased and the physical and technological infrastructure will be developed in line with needs.

Stating that arrangements are planned to develop the capacities of free zones and increase their effectiveness, Yılmaz said:

"By increasing our competitiveness in foreign trade and strengthening our regional center position, we aim to increase our exports of goods and services, which currently exceed 400 billion dollars, to 450 billion dollars at the end of the MTP period (2029)."

NATIONAL INCOME EXCEEDED 1.7 TRILLION DOLLARS

Yılmaz said that despite the negative developments in the global conjuncture, the Turkish economy has managed to differentiate itself more positively compared to other countries and regions with its production capacity and export power.

"Our national income, which was 239 billion dollars in 2002, exceeded 1.6 trillion dollars in 2025. As of the first half of 2026, our annualized national income exceeded 1.7 trillion dollars. Similarly, while GDP per capita was 3 thousand 616 dollars in 2002, it increased to 18 thousand 103 dollars in 2025," he said.

Yılmaz also made evaluations about Türkiye's development in goods and services exports. Stating that exports, which were 36.1 billion dollars in 2002, increased to 273.2 billion dollars in 2025, Yılmaz said that as of August 2026, annualized exports exceeded 280 billion dollars.

SERVICE EXPORTS REACHED 125 BILLION DOLLARS

Stating that the increase in goods exports is also seen in services exports, Yılmaz said, "Our services exports, which were 14 billion dollars in 2002, increased approximately 9 times to 125 billion dollars." he said.

Yılmaz stated that the total exports of goods and services will increase approximately 8 times from the level of 50 billion dollars in 2002 and approach 400 billion dollars in 2025, breaking an all-time record.

Stating that the negative situation in the growth rate in Europe and the MENA region, which are the main export markets, creates additional pressures for Turkey, Yılmaz said that exports continue to increase in value despite the deterioration in regional and global conditions.