Turkey Targets Bigger Share of OIC Markets as Exports Reach $41.5 Billion
Turkey is stepping up efforts to expand exports to Islamic markets, with the government aiming to increase the share of Organization of Islamic Cooperation countries in its total exports from 27% to 30% by 2028. Turkish exports to the 57 OIC member states reached $41.5 billion in the first seven months of 2026, up $345.7 million from the same period a year earlier.
The OIC is an international organization established in 1969 to promote cooperation and solidarity among its member countries. It has 57 members and represents about a quarter of the world’s population and roughly one-tenth of global income, making the group an important market for exporters.
The export target is part of Turkey’s Strategy for Developing Exports with OIC Members, introduced by the Ministry of Trade in 2024 and included in the country’s 2026 to 2028 Medium-Term Programme. Rather than treating Islamic markets as a single market, the strategy focuses on selected countries where Turkish companies are seen as having stronger commercial opportunities.
The ministry has identified 21 first-phase focus markets: Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Indonesia, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Qatar, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Egypt, Nigeria, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Senegal, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Jordan and Oman.
The selection covers some of the Middle East’s largest economies as well as growing markets in Asia and Africa. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Malaysia are particularly significant because of their size, purchasing power and connections to wider regional markets. Pakistan is also among the priority countries, placing it within Ankara’s targeted export expansion effort.
Turkey’s trade with OIC countries has grown considerably over the longer term. The Ministry of Trade says total trade with OIC members increased from $87.6 billion in 2013 to $119.1 billion in 2025. In 2025, the UAE was Turkey’s largest trading partner within the OIC group, with trade of about $19 billion, followed by Iraq at $14.3 billion. Egypt and Kazakhstan each accounted for about $7.9 billion.
The latest figures show that the strategy is producing growth, although the increase in exports remains modest. During January to July 2026, exports to OIC countries rose 0.8% year on year to $41.5 billion, while total trade with the group increased 2.2% to $69.2 billion.
Some individual markets recorded much stronger gains. Turkish exports to Egypt increased by $522.2 million to $2.8 billion, while exports to Libya rose by $438.5 million to $2.2 billion. Shipments to Syria increased by $296.8 million to $2.1 billion.
For Turkish businesses, the policy offers more than a broader list of export destinations. The government is providing additional support for activities such as trade missions, international exhibitions, overseas brand registration and promotional programmes in the 21 focus markets. The ministry says these countries receive an additional 20% state support for selected export promotion activities.
The strategy also reflects a wider effort by Turkey to diversify its export markets. Reaching the 30% target by 2028 will require Turkish companies to turn government support and market access into sustained sales growth. With competition from suppliers in Asia, Europe and the Gulf, success will depend not simply on entering OIC markets but on building competitive products, reliable distribution networks and long-term business relationships.
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