Türkiye must take center stage as global trade routes shift, sector body says

The Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye (DEIK) report revealed that China shifts its trade routes to alternative markets, creating new opportunities for Türkiye amid changing global trade balances.

DEIK prepared an analysis covering the transformation in Chinese foreign trade and its possible consequences for Türkiye after the US implemented additional customs tariffs.

The document showed that China’s export share to the US decreased to 11.14% in 2025 from 14.68% in 2024.

DEIK Chair Nail Olpak stated on Tuesday that protectionist policies in global trade reshaped global routes instead of just affecting two countries.

Olpak noted that the decline in the US market drove China to create new trade channels across a wide geography from Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to Africa.

China increased its exports to Africa by 25.9%, the Middle East by 9.7% and the EU by 8.6% in the 2024-2025 period, he said.

The analysis highlighted Nigeria in Africa, the UAE in the Middle East and Germany in the EU as prominent markets for China.

The president mentioned that Türkiye must closely monitor the geographic diversification in Chinese exports.

He stated that China heavily targeted Africa, the Middle East and Europe to compensate for its loss in the US market.

Olpak added that these regions represent areas where the Turkish business world traditionally maintains a strong presence or aims to expand.

The report indicated that the production capacity, geographic location and logistics advantages of Türkiye provide significant benefits during this global trade restructuring.

Chinese exports to Germany, the largest export market for Türkiye, increased by 10.55% during the 2024-2025 period.

The existing data showed that the rise of China in the German market did not pose a direct threat to Türkiye yet.

The DEIK report warned that Türkiye should closely monitor the increasing competition in the African and Middle Eastern markets.

China exported goods worth $20 billion to Egypt in 2025, while Turkish exports to the country stood at $4 billion.

Olpak stressed that Türkiye established multi-dimensional relations in Africa involving contracting, investments and industrial cooperation beyond simple price competition.

Chinese exports to the UAE surged to $72.9 billion in 2025, whereas Türkiye recorded $9.3 billion in exports to the same market.

He urged Turkish companies to focus on greater value-added production, stronger brands and innovation against China’s strong position in electrical devices.

The president highlighted that global trade started to experience a rising competition of trust alongside the traditional price and technology rivalry.

Olpak concluded that Türkiye aimed to become a reliable partner that takes a proactive position in the new trade architecture instead of just watching the changes.