In a year marked by global economic headwinds and shifting trade alliances, both Türkiye and India have emerged as standout performers on the export front. According to data released on January 4, 2026, by the Turkish Exporters Assembly and echoed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Türkiye’s total goods exports soared to a record $273.4 billion in 2025, a 4.5% increase over the previous year. Meanwhile, India, facing steep U.S. tariffs, not only hit a record US$825 billion in exports but also signed a flurry of new trade agreements, signaling a strategic pivot in its international trade policy.
The automotive sector once again took the driver’s seat in Türkiye, accounting for $41.5 billion (TL 1.79 trillion) in exports in 2025—a robust 11.6% jump from the previous year. This sector alone contributed 17.5% of all Turkish exports, underscoring its critical role in the nation’s industrial landscape. "The automotive industry continues to be the backbone of our export economy," President Erdoğan remarked at an event at the Istanbul Congress Center, emphasizing the sector’s enduring strength.
Türkiye’s export success was not limited to cars and trucks. The chemicals and chemical products sector followed closely, exporting $31.9 billion worth of goods, while the electrical and electronics sector contributed $17.7 billion. Notably, the defense and aviation industry posted the most impressive growth, with exports surging by 48.8% year-on-year—an indicator of Türkiye’s expanding footprint in high-tech manufacturing and arms exports.
Industrial exports as a whole made up a staggering 82% of Türkiye’s total, with overseas sales in this group rising 6% to $194.8 billion. Agriculture, often an unsung hero in export tallies, edged up by 0.6% to $36.4 billion, representing 15.3% of the total. Even the mining sector, usually a smaller player, managed a 3.4% increase, reaching $6.2 billion and accounting for 2.6% of the nation’s exports.
Geographically, Istanbul retained its crown as the export capital of Türkiye, shipping out $95.2 billion worth of goods. It was followed by Kocaeli ($22.9 billion) and Bursa ($17.9 billion), both industrial powerhouses in their own right. On the international stage, Germany remained Türkiye’s top export destination, importing $19.8 billion in goods, trailed by the United Kingdom at $14.2 billion and the United States at $13.2 billion.
President Erdoğan highlighted the broader implications of these figures, noting that combined goods and services exports were estimated to have reached $396.5 billion in 2025. This figure not only surpassed the government’s target of $390 billion but also signaled Türkiye’s growing clout in the global market. "We have exceeded our export goals, setting a new benchmark for the Turkish economy," Erdoğan declared, his tone reflecting both pride and a sense of mission accomplished.
While Türkiye celebrated its export boom, India was quietly orchestrating a trade renaissance of its own. According to a report published on January 4, 2026, India’s exports hit a record US$825 billion in 2025, a testament to its resilience and adaptability in the face of external pressure. The United States, India’s largest export market, imposed a punishing 50% tariff on certain goods, prompting Indian officials to rethink their trade strategy.
Rather than retreat, India doubled down on diversification. In the words of Indian Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, who announced the latest trade deal with New Zealand in December 2025, these new agreements were part of a broader effort to "spread our bets" and reduce dependence on any single market. The deals with New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Oman—all signed in 2025—were hailed by observers and netizens alike as a "productive year" and a "master stroke" for Indian trade policy.
The numbers tell a compelling story. In the period from April to November 2025, India’s exports rose by 5.43% to US$562.13 billion, driven by robust demand for products ranging from garments and leather goods to pharmaceuticals and machinery. The vast Indian diaspora in the United States, which accounts for about 18% of India’s total goods exports, continued to snap up products shipped from their homeland—despite the higher tariffs.
"The US remains our largest export market, but we are seeing promising growth in other regions thanks to our new trade agreements," Agrawal noted in a social media post following the New Zealand deal. The sentiment was echoed by industry analysts, who pointed out that India’s ability to quickly negotiate and implement trade pacts has helped cushion the blow from protectionist measures abroad.
Back in Türkiye, the government’s focus on high-value sectors such as defense, aviation, and electronics appears to be paying off. The 48.8% jump in defense and aviation exports was particularly striking, reflecting both increased global demand and Türkiye’s investments in research and development. Meanwhile, the gradual uptick in agricultural and mining exports provided a measure of stability, helping to offset fluctuations in industrial output.
For both nations, the export surge is more than just a statistical achievement—it’s a sign of economic resilience and strategic agility. Türkiye’s ability to set and surpass ambitious export targets speaks to a well-coordinated national effort, while India’s rapid pivot toward new markets demonstrates the power of diplomatic engagement and policy flexibility.
Of course, challenges remain. For Türkiye, maintaining double-digit growth in key sectors will require continued innovation, investment, and market diversification. For India, the specter of protectionism in its largest market looms large, even as new trade partners come on board. Both countries must navigate an increasingly complex global landscape, where shifting alliances and economic uncertainties are the new normal.
Yet, as the numbers from 2025 show, neither Türkiye nor India is content to sit on the sidelines. Instead, they are charting their own paths—leveraging their strengths, forging new partnerships, and setting records along the way. If the past year is any indication, the world can expect even more surprises from these two export powerhouses in the months ahead.
