Turkey's
White Goods Manufacturers Association data show that the country's domestic
white goods sales rose 5% year on year to 583'924 units in the first two months of the year.
Domestic sales rose 8% year on year to 293'688 in January due to rising demand for dishwashers and ovens. Refrigerators were the only product category that recorded a decline.
The increase in domestic sales maintained momentum in February as well, rising 2% year on year to 290'236 units. Refrigerators and ovens experienced the highest growth rates of 5% and 9% respectively.
However, analysts had been expecting a sharper growth figure for February 2005 since the month included more working days compared to February 2004.
Exports rose 40% year on year to 976'826 units in the first two months of the year. Refrigerators (44%) and washing machines (34%) held the highest market shares in export volumes.
Economists believe that pent-up demand played a crucial role in the 2004's strong growth. In addition, domestic demand is expected to show modest growth in the coming years.