Business · Trade · 6 hrs ago
Türkiye and China weigh ways to address a large trade imbalance
Türkiye and China trade goods, but the value of their trade is heavily tilted toward Chinese exports.
In 2025, Türkiye imported about $49.6 billion in goods from China and exported about $3.3 billion, leaving a deficit of roughly $46.3 billion.
Many imports are machinery and parts used by Turkish manufacturers, so abrupt restrictions could raise costs and weaken exports.
But heavy reliance on imports in strategic sectors can also leave Türkiye’s production and supply chains vulnerable.
One proposed response is to expand Turkish exports by improving products, brands and distribution, while China makes approval procedures and market access clearer.
More Chinese visitors to Türkiye could boost tourism income, though tourism cannot make up for a goods deficit of this size.
Chinese investment in areas such as electric vehicles, batteries and renewable energy equipment could support Turkish industry, and the article says the quality of that investment matters as much as its value.
Türkiye imported about $49.6 billion in goods from China in 2025 and exported about $3.3 billion, leaving a deficit of roughly $46.3 billion.
The deficit was around half of Türkiye’s overall merchandise trade deficit, according to Daily Sabah.
The article says the imbalance reflects structural, commercial and market-access factors, not only consumer demand for Chinese goods.
It outlines ways to address the gap, including expanding Turkish exports to China, attracting Chinese visitors and encouraging productive Chinese investment.
It also cautions that abrupt import restrictions could raise production costs, worsen inflation and weaken Turkish exporters.
- Who
- Türkiye and China.
- What
- They are weighing ways to address a large trade imbalance and build more balanced economic ties.
- When
- The article reports 2025 trade figures and was published on 11 October 2026.
- Where
- Türkiye and China.
- Why
- Türkiye’s imports from China greatly exceed its exports, raising concerns about industrial capacity, external financing and dependence on imports.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
Türkiye imported approximately $49.6 billion in goods from China and exported about $3.3 billion.
Daily Sabah published an article discussing options for more balanced Türkiye-China economic ties.
- 2025 imports
- Approximately $49.6 billion in goods from China
- 2025 exports
- About $3.3 billion to China
- 2025 trade deficit
- Roughly $46.3 billion
- Trade ratio
- About 15 to 1 imports to exports
- Chinese visitor goal
- Türkiye aims to welcome 1 million Chinese visitors
Sources
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