Turkey’s trade deficit narrowed to $5.16 billion in September 2026 from $6.96 billion in the same month a year earlier, missing preliminary estimates of a $5.23 deficit. Exports jumped 15.3% year-on-year to $25.97 billion, lifted by increased sales of precious stones, metals, pearls, and articles thereof (+82.5%), electrical machinery and equipment (+41.0%), and mineral fuels, oils, and product of their distillation (+30.1%). Exports grew notably to Germany (7.5% at $2.04 billion), the US (42.0% at $1.91 billion), and the United Kingdom (4.3% at $1.44 billion). Meanwhile, imports rose by 5.6% to $31.13 billion, driven largely by higher purchases of aluminum and articles thereof (+72.5%), copper and articles thereof (+42.4%), and organic chemicals (+32.6%). Imports rose mainly from China (23.5% at $5.26 billion), the US (21.3% at $1.78 billion), and Italy (12.4% at $1.14 billion). In the January–September period, the trade deficit widened to $70.97 billion from $67.16 billion last year.