Ankara: Trkiye's automotive sector achieved its highest exports at $19.9 billion in the first six months of the year, according to data from the Turkish Exporters' Assembly (TIM).

According to Anadolu Agency, auto exports rose 13% compared to the first half of last year, making up 15.2% of all Turkish exports. Trkiye's total exports saw a 4.1% increase on an annual basis in the first half of the year, reaching $131.4 billion, with a notable 8% rise in June to $20.5 billion.

The primary destination for Turkish auto exports was Germany, which accounted for $3.2 billion in the January-June period. This was followed by France with $2.3 billion, the UK with $2.1 billion, Spain with $1.7 billion, Italy with $1.6 billion, Slovenia with $1.1 billion, Romania with $739.1 million, and Belgium with $838 million.

German auto imports from Trkiye increased by $765 million compared to the same period last year, while Spain saw an increase of $481.4 million, Slovenia $425.8 million, Romania $226.5 million, and Belgium $215.9 million.

The majority of these exports came from Trkiye's northwestern province of Kocaeli, which accounted for $6.3 billion in the January-June period. This was followed by Bursa with $4.3 billion, Istanbul with $4.2 billion, the northwestern city of Sakarya with $2.2 billion, and Ankara with $769.2 million.

Despite global protectionist trade measures and the US's imposition of new tariffs, the Turkish auto sector has continued its steady growth since the pandemic. The US currently has a 25% tariff on all car imports and may impose additional tariffs, as indicated by the Trump administration's recent announcements regarding Japan and South Korea.