According to data compiled from the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), in 2025, 18 out of 26 sub-sectors increased their exports compared to the previous year, while 8 experienced a decline.

The defense and aerospace industry led the export growth rate with 48.8%, while the ship, yacht, and services sector ranked second with a 17.4% increase, and the ornamental plants and products sector came in third with a 13.7% rise.

Cem Seven, Chairman of the Ship, Yacht, and Services Exporters Union, responding to questions regarding export data, stated, 'As a sector, we achieved an export of 2 billion 243 million dollars in 2025, reaching the highest level in our history.'

Seven noted that this figure does not include warships, foreign currency-generating service activities carried out by shipyards, and exports from free zones, and added:

'In 2025, we achieved export growth in almost all product groups. The highest proportional increase occurred in the ferry and recreational boats category. Our exports in this category rose from 104 million dollars in 2024 to 221 million dollars in 2025. Additionally, there were increases of over 100 million dollars in both cargo ship and yacht exports. Our yacht exports have been on a steady upward trend in recent years; our yacht exports, which were around 100 million dollars a few years ago, reached 545 million dollars in 2025.'

Evaluating the distribution of the source of export growth between new orders and the deliveries of projects acquired in previous periods, as well as the outlook for the 2026 order book, Seven expressed the following:

'Ship and yacht construction processes generally have delivery times ranging from 12 to 36 months. Therefore, a significant portion of our annual export figures consists of deliveries of orders received in previous periods. Looking at 2026, it should be noted that our shipyards have a low order intensity. Increases in labor costs are weakening our position in international competition. Our year-end export performance will be directly related to how many of the current orders can be delivered within the year.'

Seasonal Distribution of Orders

Seven provided evaluations regarding the periods of seasonal concentration in order acquisitions and highlighted the prominent items based on products and services:

'A significant portion of deliveries and the associated exports occurred in the second half of the year. However, since each order has a different delivery time, it is difficult to speak of a distinct seasonal concentration in order acquisitions. Turkish shipyards are in a high brand value position, excelling in product and service quality in special-purpose ships and yachts that can be described as 'tailor-made.' Therefore, it is challenging to make a sharp distinction based on product or market. Currency-generating activities such as maintenance and repair are not included in our union's field of activity and export statistics.'

Emphasizing the effects of exchange rates, input costs, and access to financing on the sector's competitiveness, as well as the primary expectations regarding public policies and support mechanisms in these areas, Seven stated that these issues are among the most fundamental and structural problems of the sector.

Seven continued his remarks as follows:

'We regularly share the problems we encounter under these headings and our proposed solutions with the relevant institutions. The financial structure of the ship and yacht sector significantly differs from many exporting sectors. Therefore, it is crucial that support and incentive mechanisms are designed to consider the dynamics and needs of the sector. The parallel increase of exchange rates and labor costs is further weakening our international competitiveness with each passing period.'

Green Transition and Environmental Regulations

Seven emphasized the compliance and investment levels of Turkish shipyards within the framework of green transition, hybrid and electric propulsion systems, and environmental regulations, as well as the reflections of this transition on export performance.

Pointing out that producing under challenging conditions and quickly adapting to innovations has historically been one of the strongest aspects of Turkish shipyards, Seven stated, 'In this context, shipyards have successfully implemented numerous projects regarding compliance with hybrid and electric propulsion systems and environmental regulations. We have delivered many firsts and bests in different types of ships and yachts.'

'Global environmental regulations coming into effect are creating a significant transformation and demand process. Our shipyards are at a level to meet this demand in terms of production capability and technical competence,' Seven expressed, adding that the difficulties experienced in financing have led to many orders shifting to competitor countries that are not as experienced as they are.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye