Turkey's exports go up in February

By Tuba Sahin

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey's exports increased by 5.1 percent year-on-year in February, according to data from the Exporters’ Assembly of Turkey (TIM) Wednesday.

Exports were around $11.3 billion last month and the country's total exports over the last 12 months stood at over $143.2 billion, up by 2.6 percent compared with the previous 12 months.

Speaking at a press conference in Ankara, TIM President Mehmet Buyukeksi said this year exporters had managed to increase the country's exports by 5.1 percent.

The quantity of exports rose by 10.2 percent, Buyukeksi said.

The automotive sector -- exports of which rose by 12.5 percent year-on-year in February -- came out as the highest exporter in the month.

"The most remarkable increase was seen in the olive and olive oil sector -- 82.3 percent -- and jewelry sector with a 64 percent hike within the month compared with the same period last year," he said.

Exports to China, Israel and the U.S. surged most significantly with 67 percent, 27.8 percent and 26.5 percent, respectively, he added.

"We expect the increase in Turkey's export to the United States… will continue," he said.

Also, Turkey's exports to Malta and Singapore rose the most in the first two months of the year with 139 percent and 112 percent, respectively, Buyukeksi said.

Northern Turkey’s Sakarya province increased its exports the most, 167 percent, and ranked among top 10 exporting cities of the country, he added.