Aegean exporters receive record 2.4 billion TL state support

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

IZMIR, Turkiye — The Aegean Exporters' Association (EIB) facilitated the distribution of 2.4 billion TL in state support to exporters in 2025, marking a significant 90% increase compared to the previous year.

This surge in financial aid benefited 2,612 firms and cooperative organizations, serving as critical support against rising costs and high inflation. While Turkiye's national exports hit 273.5 billion dollars in 2025, the Ministry of Trade provided a total of 25.5 billion TL across 21 categories to boost international competitiveness.

Strategic aid against high inflation

Jak Eskinazi, Coordinator President of Ege Exporters' Associations, emphasized that state support has become "lifeblood" for exporters struggling with input costs. He noted that in 2025, high inflation caused costs to rise above global averages, while the US dollar's appreciation remained behind inflation rates.

To ensure firms could access these funds, EIB organized eight member meetings across seven provinces to explain the available government assistance programs. This proactive approach paved the way for the substantial increase from the 1.261 billion TL distributed in 2024.

Fair participation and TURQUALITY lead funding

Overseas fair participation emerged as the primary category for support, receiving 754.5 million TL. Other major categories included:

• TURQUALITY Projects: 454.5 million TL.

• Agricultural Supports: 426 million TL.

• Market Entry: Certification, unit rent, and sectoral delegations.

  
  

• Digital Trade: E-export and UR-GE project supports.

Targets for 2026 and support demands

Looking forward to 2026, the Ministry of Trade has reportedly allocated 45 billion TL for exporter aid. However, EIB leadership suggests that for Turkiye to reach its healthy growth goals through production and exports, support levels must increase further.

For the 282 billion dollar export target set for 2026, Eskinazi proposed that 1% of total exports should be returned to exporters as support. This would equate to a demand of 2.8 billion dollars in state aid to ensure Turkiye remains a strong player in global trade.

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