Turkey's defense industry exports total $2.3B in 2020

By Goksel Yildirim

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey's defense and aerospace industry exports racked up $2.3 billion in 2020.

The sector's exports declined 16.8% compared to 2019, according to data compiled by Anadolu Agency from the Turkish Exporters' Assembly (TIM).

The disruption in production, supply and logistics processes due to COVID-19 restrictions and the shift of countries' priorities to health measures were cited for the decline.

Turkish defense and aerospace industry's share in the country's total exports was 1.3%, while kilogram value of the sector's exports amounted to some $48.

The US was the top export market of the aviation and defense industry sectors with $784.2 million in 2020, down 4% from a year earlier. It was followed by Azerbaijan with exports worth $260.8 million, up 194% compared to 2019.

Additionally, Turkey’s exports to the United Arab Emirates in the defense and aviation industry posted the third-most significant increase with 51%, reaching over $200.2 million.

*Writing by Yunus Girgin in Ankara