Turkish officials are increasingly concerned about the substantial trade deficit with China, which reached approximately $46.3 billion in 2025. While Turkish manufacturers rely on Chinese intermediate goods, the current 15-to-1 import-to-export ratio poses long-term economic challenges. Experts suggest that tariffs are insufficient to solve these structural issues. Instead, a more balanced approach involves expanding Turkish exports to the Chinese market and addressing regulatory barriers. Türkiye needs to diversify its export portfolio and improve brand recognition, while China is encouraged to simplify product-approval processes and enhance transparency regarding technical standards. Furthermore, both nations are looking to boost cooperation in the services sector, particularly tourism, by increasing flight connectivity and streamlining payment systems. The goal is to reduce excessive dependency on imports while maintaining access to competitive global supply chains, ensuring a more sustainable and equitable bilateral economic partnership.
Source : Daily Sabah
Photo : Daily Sabah
