Türkiye’s exports to the 57 member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) reached $41.5 billion in the first seven months of 2026, marking a $345.7 million increase compared with the same period last year, according to the Trade Ministry.

The ministry said exports to OIC countries rose 0.8% year-on-year between January and July, while total foreign trade volume with the group increased 2.2% to $69.2 billion. The figures highlight the growing importance of Islamic countries in Türkiye’s export strategy and broader efforts to diversify international markets.

The government has attributed the increase to the continued implementation of its Strategy for Developing Exports with OIC Members, which is also incorporated into Türkiye’s 2026–2028 Medium Term Programme.

Under the strategy, Ankara aims to increase the share of OIC countries in Türkiye’s overall exports from the current 27% to 30% by 2028. The Trade Ministry has identified 21 countries as initial focus markets, including Egypt, Libya, Syria, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iraq, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia and Jordan.

Egypt, Libya and Syria among fastest-growing markets

Egypt recorded the largest increase in Türkiye’s exports among OIC members during the January–July period. Turkish exports to Egypt rose by $522.2 million to $2.8 billion.

Exports to Libya increased by $438.5 million to $2.2 billion, while shipments to Syria rose by $296.8 million to $2.1 billion. Exports to Jordan also increased significantly, rising by $227.5 million to $1.3 billion.

The ministry said Türkiye’s commercial engagement with OIC countries has expanded substantially over the past decade. Trade with OIC members increased from $87.6 billion in 2013 to $119.1 billion in 2025, representing an increase of roughly 36%.

In 2025, Türkiye’s largest trading partners among OIC members were the United Arab Emirates, with around $19 billion in bilateral trade, followed by Iraq at $14.3 billion and Egypt and Kazakhstan at approximately $7.9 billion each.

Türkiye’s overall exports also continue to grow

The stronger performance in OIC markets comes as Türkiye’s overall exports maintain an upward trajectory.

According to the Trade Ministry’s latest data, Türkiye’s exports reached $25.62 billion in July, up 2.9% year-on-year and the highest July figure on record. Imports rose 5.2% to $32.99 billion, while total foreign trade volume increased 4.1% to $58.61 billion.

For the January–July period, Türkiye’s total exports increased 3.4% year-on-year to $161.6 billion, while imports climbed 4.7% to $222.1 billion. Total foreign trade volume reached $383.7 billion, an annual increase of 4.1%.

The Trade Ministry has emphasized that expanding commercial ties with OIC countries is part of a broader effort to strengthen Türkiye’s position in emerging markets and reduce dependence on a limited number of export destinations.

With trade between Türkiye and OIC members continuing to expand, Ankara is seeking to deepen economic integration with Islamic countries through increased market access, targeted support for exporters and stronger commercial partnerships.

The government’s 30% export-share target by 2028 could further increase the strategic importance of OIC markets for Türkiye’s foreign trade in the coming years. (ILKHA)