State-Backed Credit Floods Small Traders with 75 Billion TL in First Half of 2026

State-backed loans exceeding 75 billion TL have become a lifeline for small traders and artisans in the first half of 2026, underpinning liquidity needs across the micro‑enterprise sector.

Financial Backdrop: Evolution of Treasury‑Backed Loans

■From 2002‑2026, a total of 814.6 billion TL in treasury‑guaranteed credit was disbursed.

■The loan mechanism operates through the Artisans and Craftsmen Credit and Guarantee Cooperatives, providing guarantee coverage.

■The government maintains flexible repayment terms to ease access for micro‑businesses.

Funding Figures for the First Six Months of 2026

■98,678 enterprises received financing exceeding 74.8 billion TL.

■The term "kullandırım" measures actual fund utilization rather than mere allocation.

■This infusion proved pivotal for post‑pandemic recovery trajectories.

Policy Implications Across Sectors

■Trade Minister Ömer Bolat emphasized that while credit policy falls under his ministry, copyright fee issues belong to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

■Credit access for artisans aims to mitigate regional economic imbalances.

■Coordinated efforts with other agencies ensure uninterrupted credit flow.

Outlook and Potential Risks

■Portfolio sustainability hinges on repayment performance and macro‑economic stability.

■Inflationary pressures and interest‑rate volatility could strain small enterprises' repayment capacity.

■Policy certainty and regulatory clarity remain essential for continued credit provisioning.

Burak Yalın – Director of Commercial Loans and Central Bank Policies

The magnitude of treasury‑backed lending represents a counter‑trend to the prevailing KOBİ credit squeeze. Nevertheless, monitoring long‑term repayment streams and managing credit risk must align with the Central Bank’s liquidity stance. Potential interest‑rate hikes demand a cautious approach, especially for low‑margin traders. Strengthening collateral frameworks and offering flexible repayment schedules are indispensable for fostering a resilient credit ecosystem.