The Turkish furniture, paper, and forest products sector recorded an increase of 1.4% in the first month of 2025, reaching $610 million in exports. AKAMİB, on the other hand, saw a 2.8% increase with $73.2 million in exports.

The sector, which has shown growth in target markets, particularly made a strong start in the U.S. market, while Mediterranean companies saw a 50% increase in exports to Syria, where commercial relations have been revitalized. The Turkish furniture, paper, and forest products sector has started 2025 positively.

Closing the previous year with a 1% decrease, the sector achieved $609.8 million in exports in January 2025, marking a 1.4% increase. The Mediterranean Furniture, Paper, and Forest Products Exporters Association (AKAMİB) exceeded the sector’s overall growth, achieving a 2.8% increase with $73.2 million in exports in January.

The top five successful markets for the sector’s January exports were Iraq, the United Kingdom, the U.S., Germany, and Libya. Within the top 10 markets, exports to the United Kingdom increased by 37.6%, to Georgia by 27.4%, and to Libya by 24.3%. The sector saw a 3.4% growth in the U.S. market, which is one of the target markets.

In AKAMİB’s January export performance, Iraq was the leading market, followed by Germany, Syria, France, and the U.S. Among the top 10 markets, exports to the U.S. increased by 51%, to Syria by 50%, and to the United Kingdom by 45%.

Evaluating the sector’s January performance and expectations for 2025, AKAMİB President Onur Kılıçer made the following statements: “2024 was a challenging period for our sector. The pressure on the exchange rate and the widening gap between exchange rates and inflation negatively affected our price competitiveness, leading to a decline in our export figures.

However, despite all these challenges, our producers and exporters worked tirelessly throughout the year to maintain their competitive strength. We see 2025 as a period of recovery for our sector. The decrease in interest rates and the gradual improvement in access to financing are significant.

The expansion of our government’s production and export-oriented support programs will enhance the competitiveness of our companies. By taking steps to support exports, we can achieve even stronger momentum. Our goal is not just to grow in numbers, but to establish a permanent and sustainable growth model, elevating the Turkish furniture sector to a stronger position on the global stage.”