Turkey's Southeast Halı Exports Post $845M Revenue Amid Middle East Crisis

Turkey's southeastern halı producers exported a total of 157 million 444 thousand square meters of halı to 147 countries and regions in January-June, generating $845.587 million in revenue. The sector earned $720.790 million from machine halılar, followed by $109.775 million from tufte halılar, $13.527 million from el halılar, and $1.495 million from kilimler. El halı exports increased by 10.4% year-on-year, while kilim exports saw a 43.2% rise. The U.S., Saudi Arabia, and the UK were the top export markets, while the Middle East experienced a 18.4% decline. GAİB Chairman Zeynal Abidin Kaplan noted the sector's resilience amid conflict, attributing the decline to logistical challenges.

The 18.4% drop in Middle East exports may trigger short-term volatility in interest rate expectations, while U.S. and EU gains support market optimism.