Türkiye’s Export Demand Index Declines in March Despite Yearly Gains
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Türkiye’s Export Demand Index recorded a 1.3% monthly decline in March 2025, standing at 99.0, according to a new report from the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM). Although the index showed a modest 1.6% increase compared to March 2024, it remained below its long-term average, reflecting persistent challenges in export markets.
The index tracks demand conditions for Türkiye’s exported goods across key markets, utilizing macro and leading economic indicators.
Confidence Indicators Drag on Export Outlook
The TİM report emphasized that despite partial improvements in unemployment and industrial production, the decline in business confidence, consumer confidence, and worsening inflation expectations have weakened overall demand dynamics.
“Falling confidence indicators and inflationary pressures have kept the Export Demand Index below its historical average despite marginal gains in production and employment,” the report noted.
Market Resilience Also Shows Signs of Weakness
The TİM Market Resilience Index, which assesses the resistance of Türkiye’s export markets to economic and political risks, also edged lower:
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It declined by 0.3% month-on-month in March 2025.
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It rose by only 0.2% year-on-year, settling at 99.9, still below its long-term average.
TİM attributed the fragility to rising global geopolitical risks and subdued export demand, which have weighed on market stability across Türkiye’s export destinations.
“The increasing geopolitical tensions and sustained weakness in export demand have undermined market resilience,” the report warned.
Outlook: Persistent Headwinds for Exporters
The latest figures suggest that global economic uncertainty, combined with domestic inflation challenges and dampened confidence levels, will continue to pressure Türkiye’s export performance in the near term.
Exporters are advised to monitor market dynamics carefully, diversify export destinations, and stay agile amid evolving global conditions.