Furniture, Paper, and Forest Products Sector Exports Total $5.1 Billion
Istanbul Furniture, Paper and Forest Products Sector Continues Strong Export Performance
The Istanbul Furniture, Paper and Forest Products Exporters’ Association recently released the export data for August, showcasing the sector’s performance in the international market. According to the report, exports in this sector reached 666 million dollars in August 2023, slightly down from the 677 million dollars recorded in the same month last year.
Despite this slight decrease, the sector has still managed to achieve exports of 5.1 billion dollars in the first eight months of the year. Among the top export destinations, Iraq leads the way with 711 million dollars, followed by the United Kingdom with $285 million and the United States with $249 million in exports. Other key countries for exports include Germany, Libya, Iran, Morocco, France, Romania, and Georgia. The United States stands out with the highest increase in export share at 23.55 percent.
Erkan Özkan, Chairman of the Istanbul Furniture, Paper and Forest Products Exporters’ Association, expressed confidence in the sector’s export performance despite global economic challenges. He highlighted the sector’s contribution to Turkey’s overall export record in August, reaching $22.1 billion. Özkan emphasized the importance of stability in production, employment, and exports, attributing the sector’s success to promotional activities, international presence at fairs, and other trade events.
With a target of $8 billion in exports by the end of the year, manufacturers in the furniture, paper, and forest products sector are optimistic about sustaining their current momentum. Özkan concluded by acknowledging the sector’s commitment to increasing its contribution to the country’s economy in the long term, thanks to the stability and dedication demonstrated by industry members.
