In the statement made by the Ministry of Trade, the strategic position of free zones on the axis of investment, production and exports was emphasized. Exports, which amounted to USD 1 billion 60 million in May 2023, reached a historic level with an increase of USD 120 million in the same period of 2024.
Foreign trade surplus increased to USD 456 million
Free zones also made a strong contribution to the Turkish economy in terms of foreign trade balance. While the ratio of exports to imports increased to 163% in May, the foreign trade surplus increased from USD 244 million to USD 456 million. This rate indicates an increase of 33 points compared to the same period last year.
Leader again Aegean Free Zone
The Aegean Free Zone realized the highest exports in May with USD 288 million. The Aegean Free Zone, which increased its exports by 14.4% compared to the same month last year, maintained its leadership this year.
All-time high exports in the first 5 months
Free zones maintained their momentum in exports in the first 5 months of the year. Exports in the January-May period increased by 3.9% compared to the same period last year, reaching USD 5.25 billion. Thus, free zones reached the highest export level of all time in the first five months of the year.
With this performance, free zones took their place in the ranking after Türkiye's top exporting cities İstanbul, Kocaeli, Bursa, Ankara and İzmir.
Free zones stand out in high-tech products
In 19 free zones operating in Türkiye since 1985 and built on a total of 26 thousand decares of land, a total of 2,18 companies, 515 of which are foreign-owned, continue their production and export activities. These companies employ approximately 100 thousand people.
While about 5% of exports from free zones contribute to Türkiye's total exports, these zones also play a leading role in the export of high-tech products. In the first five months of 2024, 57 percent of exports from free zones consisted of medium-advanced and high-tech products.
The Ministry of Trade emphasized that the goal of establishing new free zones based on technology-oriented and high value-added production will continue with determination in the coming period.
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