Turkish automotive exports focus on the EU

Turkish automotive exports focus on the EU

61.6% of the total exports in the first half of year 2003 have been effected to the 15 member states of the European Union. This shows that the leading sector of the Turkish economy has obtained $2 billion potion of the total $3.35 billion automotive exports value from the EU market. According to the sector officials, Turkish automotive sector is exporting to a total of 163 countries and self governing territories and 11 free trade zones worldwide. The major EU countries receiving Turkish exports are headed by Germany, Italy, France, Spain and the UK. Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, Greece, Finland, Denmark, Luxembourg and Portugal are also receiving significant export volumes from Turkey. In case the candidate countries are also considered, Turkish market share in Europe reaches 70.4% for the automotive exports. It is remarkable that the automotive exports into these countries are constantly rising. In case this trend continues, the Turkish automotive sector's market share in the EU candidate countries is expected to further grow.