Ankara:Turkey's exports to the European Union increased by 3.9% year-on-year, reaching $81.5 billion from January to September, as reported by the Turkish Exporters' Assembly (TIM).

According to Anadolu Agency, Turkey's overall exports grew by 5.2% to a total of $210.9 billion during the same period. Exports to the 27 EU member states specifically rose by nearly $3.1 billion.

Germany emerged as Turkey's top European market, with exports climbing 4.2% to $15.4 billion. Following Germany, Italy was the second-largest market with $9.6 billion, Spain with $8.3 billion, and France with $7.9 billion in Turkish exports. Other significant destinations included Romania and the Netherlands, each with nearly $5.5 billion, and Poland with $4.8 billion. Overall, Turkish exports increased in 17 EU member states, while a decline was noted in 10 others.

The total exports to Turkey's top four European markets—Germany, Italy, Spain, and France—amounted to $41.2 billion in the January-September period. The automotive sector was the leading contributor to this growth, with exports to the EU rising 4.8% to $22.9 billion. The chemicals and chemical products sector followed with $10.2 billion, and the ready-to-wear apparel sector contributed $7.3 billion.

The automotive sector experienced the largest increase, with exports rising by nearly $1.1 billion. The ferrous and non-ferrous metals sector saw a $1 billion increase, while the electrical and electronics sector grew by $489.3 million.

Exports from key Turkish provinces significantly impacted the overall figures. Istanbul led with $29 billion in exports to the EU, followed by Kocaeli and Bursa with $11.4 billion and $9.4 billion, respectively. Ankara exported $5.6 billion, and Izmir contributed $5.4 billion to the EU's import figures.