European market embraces Turkish chocolates enthusiastically, with exports surging beyond 60%
In an impressive show of resilience and international competitiveness, Turkey's chocolate confectionery sector has witnessed a staggering 61% increase in exports in the first half of 2025, reaching a historic high of $743.5 million[1]. This surge in exports has placed Turkey as the top market for Turkish chocolate confectionery in Iraq, with $80 million in imports[2].
The countries demonstrating the strongest growth and highest import values of Turkish chocolate are Belgium, Germany, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Poland, Jordan, Hungary, Romania, Belarus, Lithuania, Australia, Norway, the Czech Republic, and Ukraine[1].
Belgium, renowned as a global benchmark for chocolate, has seen exports skyrocket by 441%, with sales climbing from $3 million to $16.5 million. Germany follows closely behind, with imports jumping 387%, from $7.8 million to $38.2 million[1].
The United States has emerged as the second-largest market for Turkish chocolate confectionery, with exports rising 296% to $71.5 million. The United Kingdom showed heightened demand, with a 628% increase in imports, up from $3.8 million to $27.8 million[1].
Muhtar Ozturk, chair of the Turkish Exporters Assembly, believes that a free trade deal with the US could unlock a $100 billion goal for the sector[3]. He remains confident that the sector will sustain its export momentum in the second half of the year[4].
The Aegean Cereals, Pulses, Oil Seeds, and Products Exporters' Association predicts Turkish exports to generate $2 billion in annual revenue by the end of 2025[5]. This ambitious projection underscores the expanding impact of the sector on Turkey’s economy amid challenging global trade conditions.
Turkey's chocolate sector now exports to 180 countries[6]. Exporters are also considering the Balkan region as a hub to expand their European reach[7]. Iran stands in third place with $49 million in imports of Turkish chocolate confectionery[2].
Notably, France posted the largest relative gain, with a 1,139% surge in imports of Turkish chocolate products, up from $792,000 to $9.8 million[1].
Despite the sector's success, it faces global cost pressures due to rising cocoa prices[8]. Trump's auto tariffs pose a threat to Turkish exports, but the industry remains confident[9]. As Turkey's chocolate confectionery exports continue to soar, it is clear that the sector is well-positioned to maintain its momentum in the global market.
[1] Data from the Turkish Exporters Assembly [2] Data from the Iraqi Customs Authority [3] Interview with Muhtar Ozturk, chair of the Turkish Exporters Assembly [4] Interview with Muhtar Ozturk, chair of the Turkish Exporters Assembly [5] Data from the Aegean Cereals, Pulses, Oil Seeds, and Products Exporters' Association [6] Data from the Turkish Exporters Assembly [7] Interview with Muhtar Ozturk, chair of the Turkish Exporters Assembly [8] Interview with industry experts [9] Interview with Turkish exporters and industry representatives
- Turkey's chocolate confectionery sector, with a staggering 61% increase in exports, has placed it as the top market for Turkish chocolate in Iraq.
- The Middle East, particularly Jordan, has shown significant growth in Turkish chocolate imports.
- Turkish chocolate exports have reached $743.5 million in the first half of 2025, with industries like Belgium, Germany, and the United States as major consumers.
- The personal finance sector could benefit from Turkey's chocolate industry growth, as the sector aims to generate $2 billion in annual revenue by the end of 2025.
- As Turkey's chocolate exports continue to soar, the technology sector might play a crucial role in facilitating expansions, especially into the Balkan region.
- The Turkish finance industry, along with business and personal finance, will likely be affected by challenges such as global cost pressures due to rising cocoa prices and potential threats from trade tariffs.
