Istanbul:Trkiye's average export unit value increased to $1.73 per kilogram as of September, as announced by the Turkish trade minister during the Trkiye Innovation Week (TIW) in Istanbul. This event, organized by the Turkish Exporters' Assembly under the theme 'Humanity 6.0,' highlights innovations in the country.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Trade Minister Omer Bolat revealed that excluding low-value items like cement and marble, the average export unit value reached $2.11 per kilogram. In the defense industry, this figure soared to $61.5 per kilogram, while pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding, and the auto sector saw values of $25, $14, and $9 per kilogram, respectively. Notably, ready-to-wear exports achieved a value of $80-100 per kilogram.

Bolat emphasized Trkiye's focus on research and development, innovation, branding, and design, marking a new era. He highlighted the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in future trade growth, predicting AI-driven trade to rise by 40% by 2040.

The share of high-tech exports rose from 30.4% in 2002 to 43.7% by the end of 2025, amounting to $112 billion. Trkiye aims to enhance exports in labor-intensive and high-value sectors. The target for goods and services exports was set at $410 billion for the year, with $409 billion already achieved by September.

Trkiye has significantly boosted its research and development spending, patent applications, and academic capacity over the last 23 years, contributing to higher quality exports. Despite challenges such as regional conflicts and rising trade protectionism, the country maintained economic stability and growth, with national income reaching $1.7 trillion and $18,300 per capita.

In September, Turkish exports increased 5.2% year-on-year to $283.7 billion, surpassing the year-end target. Bolat mentioned a $30 billion allocation for technological and value-added production investments, facilitated through tax incentives, grants, and low-cost financing under the HIT-30 program.