TİM President Gültepe: Iran is an important market, but exporters should turn to alternative markets

Gültepe commented to Anadolu Ajansı and emphasized that Iran is still an important market for Turkish exporters. “The depreciation of the Iranian rial poses a threat especially for durable consumer goods such as white goods, electronics, automotive, textiles and iron and steel,” Gültepe stated, reminding that approximately 5,500 companies exported to Iran last year.

Stating that the sectors that exported the most to Iran in 2024 were chemicals, textiles, furniture, paper and forestry products and machinery, Gültepe noted that exports to this country exceeded 3.2 billion dollars last year. However, he noted that in the first five months of this year, exports to Iran decreased by 8% to 1.2 billion dollars.

Gültepe stated that it is important for exporters to be able to offer price advantages in markets with declining purchasing power in global competition and added: "Turkish exporters can quickly adapt to both global and local developments with their dynamic structure. However, external factors such as exchange rate fluctuations are still an important problem."

In this context, Gültepe noted that TİM, together with the relevant public institutions, is working on various support models to reduce the financial risks of exporters, adding that in the past, they have provided trainings against exchange rate risk, and that exporters' associations are continuing these trainings.

TİM President Gültepe stated, "Iran is a valuable market for Türkiye in terms of both historical and geographical proximity. However, due to the current conditions, we also see that our exporters need to diversify their risks and turn more towards alternative markets."

In this context, Gültepe noted that TİM supports the search for new markets both regionally and sectorally, and that they aim to facilitate the transition process with trade and procurement delegations.

“The process is still very new and there have been no major negative developments so far,” Gültepe stated, adding, “However, we are closely following the developments and we are ready to take any steps that will be in favor of Turkish exporters.”