Türkiye's Trade Surplus in the Packaging Sector Continues to Grow

Türkiye's Trade Surplus in the Packaging Sector Continues to Grow

The packaging sector, one of Türkiye's leading industries generating a trade surplus, closed 2024 on a positive note. The sector's exports increased by 1% to reach $6.95 billion, while imports declined by 7%, falling to $4.26 billion. As a result, the packaging sector's trade surplus grew by 19% compared to the previous year, reaching $2.68 billion in 2024.

Emphasizing that Türkiye is among the world's most prominent packaging producers and continues to maintain a foreign trade surplus, Packaging Manufacturers Association (ASD) President Zeki Sarıbekir stated:

"We have left behind a challenging 2024, but we look to 2025 with greater optimism. Our packaging sector will continue to work for Türkiye and generate added value."

The Packaging Manufacturers Association (ASD) has released its export and import data for 2024. Last year, Türkiye's exports increased by 1% in value terms, reaching $6.95 billion, while export volumes declined by 8% to 3.19 million tons. Meanwhile, the sector's imports fell by 3% in volume to 1.93 million tons and by 7% in value to $4.26 billion. Maintaining its consistent trade surplus, the packaging industry recorded a 19% increase compared to the previous year, reaching $2.68 billion.

Breakdown by Packaging Type

In terms of packaging categories, the overall distribution was as follows:

• Plastic packaging led with a 64% share,
• Paper/Cardboard/Corrugated packaging followed at 23%,
• Metal packaging accounted for 9%,
• Glass packaging held a 3% share,
• Wooden packaging represented 1% of total exports.

In 2023, the top export destinations for the Turkish packaging industry were:

1. United Kingdom
2. Germany
3. United States
4. Iraq
5. Italy

The rest of the top 10 export markets included France, Romania, Russia, Spain, and Greece.

"We Are More Optimistic for 2025"

Despite 2024 being a challenging year for exports, ASD President Zeki Sarıbekir highlighted the resilience of the packaging sector, noting that the ability to navigate this period without major setbacks was a significant achievement.

Looking ahead, Sarıbekir expressed optimism for 2025, stating that if conflicts in Türkiye's surrounding regions come to an end, the sector is expected to experience strong growth, particularly in the second half of the year. He further anticipated a long-term growth period for the industry.

*"As a sector, we export our products worldwide, but neighboring markets are of utmost importance to us. Currently, 70% of our exports go to Europe, which is right next to us. By further strengthening our focus on Europe and nearby regions, I believe we will achieve our $10 billion export target for 2030 ahead of schedule. The resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war will also present significant new opportunities for us. Additionally, the rapidly developing Middle East remains a key target market for the Turkish packaging industry.

We will continue to work for Türkiye and create added value."

"Border Carbon Regulations Could Provide a Competitive Advantage"

Sarıbekir also drew attention to the EU's Border Carbon Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), highlighting that the packaging industry, with its high adaptability to new industrial demands such as carbon footprint reduction and sustainability, could gain a significant competitive advantage in nearby markets.