Government support for Aegean exporters increased by 90%

Government Support for Aegean Exporters Increases by 90%

Aegean exporters received TL 1.261 billion in government support in 2024, and the amount mediated through the Aegean Exporters’ Association (AEA) has increased by 90%.

Turkey reached USD 273.5 billion in exports in 2025, with the Ministry of Trade providing TL 25.5 billion in government support across 21 categories to exporters and associated organizations to enhance their international competitiveness. With additional support for service exports, the Ministry’s total support reached TL 33 billion.

In 2025, 2,612 companies and collaborative organizations affiliated with the AEA benefited from government support provided across 21 categories.

Government support acts as a lifeline for exporters

Jak Eskinazi, Coordinator of the Aegean Exporters’ Association, highlighted that the Ministry of Trade has allocated TL 45 billion in support for exporters in 2026. He noted that in 2025, high inflation in Türkiye pushed input costs above the global average, and the US dollar’s appreciation against the Turkish lira lagged behind inflation, making government support a critical lifeline for exporters.

Eight meetings held across seven provinces to explain support programs

Eskinazi shared that in 2023, the AEA ensured TL 764.8 million in government support reached exporters and associated organizations. In 2024, this figure increased to TL 1.261 billion, and in 2025, the Association mediated TL 2.4 billion in support. During 2025, eight member meetings were held in seven provinces of the Aegean region to explain the available support programs.

Among the categories, international trade fair participation received the highest support at TL 754.5 million, followed by TURQUALITY projects at TL 454.5 million, and agriculture support at TL 426 million. Other significant programs included market entry certificates, domestic trade fair participation, overseas unit rental, sectoral delegations, e-export, and UR-GE project support.

1% of exports should be allocated as support to exporters

Eskinazi emphasized that Türkiye can achieve a healthy economy through production and exports, and noted that for 2026, Türkiye has set an export target of TL 282 billion. He added, “To reach this target, 1% of our exports should be allocated as support to our exporters. Exporters, who will bring TL 2.8 billion in foreign currency to Türkiye, are requesting corresponding government support.”