Global expansion key to export survival, Turkish sector head warns – Türkiye Today

Turkish exporters must pivot toward international expansion while preserving Türkiye as their core manufacturing base, the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) Chairman Sekib Avdagic told sector leaders on Thursday.

The eighthTurkish Houseware by Invitation Only Türkiye event, which is a exclusive B2B event, jointly organized by the Association of Houseware Manufacturers and Exporters (EVSID), the Istanbul Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals Exporters’ Association (IDDMIB), and the Istanbul Chemicals and Chemical Products Exporters’ Association (IKMIB), drew over 150 buyers from 60 countries to Istanbul.

Industry leaders pose at the opening of the 8th Turkish Housewares by Invitation Only Türkiye event in Istanbul, Türkiye, on May 22, 2025. (Photo via tgrthaber.com)

‘We cannot continue with business as usual’

Addressing the opening session, Avdagic underscored the urgency of strategic transformation. “It is clear that we cannot sustain our way of life by continuing to do what we have done so far,” he said. Urging companies to reassess their approach to exports, production, profitability, and market share for the next five to 10 years, he highlighted the ongoing pressure from Türkiye’s foreign exchange policy—designed to keep the lira stable and relatively strong—which he said is undercutting the competitiveness of Turkish exporters.

File photo shows Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Chairman Sekib Avdagic speaking during an interview in Istanbul, Türkiye, accessed on May 23, 2025. (IHA Photo)

“It seems this pressure-driven exchange rate policy will continue for quite some time,” Avdagic noted. He also drew attention to the rising cost of labor, stating that the monthly employer cost of an entry-level blue-collar worker in Türkiye now ranges between $1,200 and $1,500.

“These realities must be considered seriously,” he continued. “We must begin placing production and distribution centers in alternative markets on our agenda.”

A dual-axis model for Turkish expansion

Anticipating criticism that moving production abroad could lead to capital flight, Avdagic dismissed the concern. “Just like in basketball, our main pivot foot will remain in Türkiye, but the other foot will move to cover the global court,” he said, emphasizing that such diversification should be seen as expansion, not withdrawal.

According to central bank data, outward direct investments by Turkish residents rose to $7.56 billion year-over-year as of March 2025, indicating a record-growing appetite for international presence across key sectors.

May 23, 2025 03:38 PM GMT+03:00