The results of the Istanbul Chamber of Industry (İSO) Turkey Manufacturing Sector Export Climate Index for the September 2025 period, which measures the operating conditions in the main export markets of Turkey’s manufacturing sector, were announced.
The Istanbul Chamber of Industry Turkey Manufacturing Sector Export Climate Index stood at 51.7 in September. After rising to 51.9 in August, which was the peak of the last 15 months, the index continued to signal a moderate improvement in external demand conditions despite a slight decline. Thus, the current strengthening trend reached its 21st month.
All figures measured above the threshold value of 50 in the index indicate an improvement in the export climate, while values below 50 indicate a deterioration.
In Germany, which is the largest export market for the Turkish manufacturing sector with an 8% share, economic activity recorded an increase for the fourth consecutive month in September. Although growth was moderate, it reached its highest level for the second time (same as May 2024) since May 2023. In the USA, production continued to increase strongly, but the rate of increase was lower compared to August. Growth was also recorded in the economies of Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. The increase in manufacturing industry production in the Netherlands was measured at the fastest pace in the last 16 months.
Economic activity declined in some key markets for Turkish exporters, notably the United Kingdom and France. In Romania, manufacturing sector production declined, albeit at the most moderate pace in the last 16 months. In Russia, the most pronounced production contraction since October 2022 occurred.
The Middle East continued to be one of the sources of growth in September. In the United Arab Emirates, non-oil economic activity continued to expand sharply. Increases were also recorded in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Lebanon. The growth in Saudi Arabia was the highest among the economies monitored within the survey. In Taiwan, where the sharpest decline in production was experienced, the manufacturing sector exhibited a sharp contraction that accelerated compared to August. Sharp declines were also observed in Brazil, Canada, and Pakistan.
Andrew Harker, Economics Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, who commented on the Istanbul Chamber of Industry Turkey Export Climate Index, said:
“Considering Germany’s importance as an export market, the accelerating growth in this country in September is a positive development in terms of supporting demand for Turkish manufactured goods. From a broader perspective, it is seen that the export climate continues to improve despite ongoing weaknesses in some countries like the United Kingdom and France. We hope these weaknesses will also disappear in the last quarter.”
