Yalova's ship and yacht exports surged 96.5% to $777.7 million in 2026, capturing 39% of Turkey's total sector exports.
Yalova, one of Turkey's important shipbuilding centers, increased its exports in the ship, yacht, and services sector by 96.5% in the first nine months of 2026 compared to the same period last year, reaching 777 million 704 thousand dollars. The city maintained its second place after Istanbul, accounting for 39% of Turkey's total sector exports.
According to data from the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), Yalova's exports in the ship, yacht, and services sector, which were 395 million 753 thousand dollars in the January-September period of 2025, reached 777 million 704 thousand dollars in the same period this year. Thus, the city nearly doubled its exports in the nine-month period.
Turkey's ship and yacht exports approached 2 billion dollars.
The exports of the ship, yacht, and services sector across Turkey also showed significant growth during the same period.
The sector's exports, which were 1 billion 483 million 166 thousand dollars in the first nine months of 2025, increased by 34.7% to 1 billion 998 million 192 thousand dollars in the same period of 2026.
Istanbul ranked first in total sector exports with 896 million 930 thousand dollars. Yalova followed in second place with its exports of 777 million 704 thousand dollars.
Bursa ranked third with 99 million 155 thousand dollars, İzmir fourth with 94 million 694 thousand dollars, and Kocaeli fifth with 81 million 985 thousand dollars.
Yalova has closed the gap with Istanbul.
The 96.5% increase in Yalova's exports significantly exceeded the national sector growth of 34.7%.
The export gap between Istanbul and Yalova was 119 million 226 thousand dollars, while the total exports of the two provinces reached approximately 1.67 billion dollars.
Thus, Istanbul and Yalova accounted for about 84% of Turkey's ship, yacht, and services exports.
Most exports were made to Norway.
During the January-September period, Turkey exported ship, yacht, and services to 136 countries, autonomous regions, and free zones.
Norway became the largest export market for the sector. Exports to this country increased by 41% compared to the same period last year, rising from 264 million 589 thousand dollars to 372 million 14 thousand dollars.
Exports to the Marshall Islands, which ranked second, increased by 202% from 103 million 152 thousand dollars to 311 million 171 thousand dollars.
Exports to France also rose by 83%, reaching 167 million 17 thousand dollars.
Strong increases in exports to the USA and Malta.
Exports of the ship, yacht, and services sector to the USA increased by 27% in the first nine months of the year, reaching 151 million 47 thousand dollars.
Exports to Malta amounted to 136 million 444 thousand dollars, marking an increase of 118%.
Norway, the Marshall Islands, France, the USA, and Malta were among the largest export markets for the sector.
Yalova's prominence in the shipbuilding sector is increasing.
Yalova, which hosts numerous shipyards, especially in Altınova, is one of Turkey's significant production centers in commercial shipbuilding, special-purpose vessels, maintenance-repair, and maritime equipment.
The export performance recorded in the first nine months highlighted Yalova's importance in Turkey's ship and yacht sector, reflecting the city's strong position in international markets.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
