Greece was Turkey’s third-largest neighboring export market in the first 10 months of 2026, receiving $2.8 billion in Turkish goods, according to trade figures released this week. Iraq led the seven-country group with about $7.5 billion in purchases, followed by Bulgaria at $4.4 billion. Georgia ranked fourth with $2.4 billion.
Turkey exported $23.43 billion to the eight neighboring countries from January through October, up 2.3% from $22.91 billion during the same period last year. The group also includes Azerbaijan, Iran and Syria.
Across all destinations, Turkish exports rose 5.5% to $236.84 billion during the 10-month period, government data showed. Growth among neighboring markets therefore trailed the country’s overall export gains.
The Greek ranking was not a sudden change. Greece also placed third in the January-September figures, when shipments totaled about $2.6 billion, and held the same position for full-year 2025. The latest report extends that established standing through October.
Greece holds its place in Turkey’s neighboring export market rankings
The strongest increases among the seven neighbors were recorded in Georgia, where Turkish exports rose 17.8%, followed by Syria at 16.5% and Bulgaria at 14.8%. The reported 2.3% overall increase applies to the seven markets combined, not to shipments to Greece alone.
Chemical products were the biggest export category across the group, accounting for about $4.4 billion. Grains, pulses, oilseeds and related goods followed at nearly $2.4 billion. Furniture, paper and forest products generated about $1.8 billion. Those figures describe trade with all seven countries, rather than Greece’s purchases alone.
The latest trade figures come as Athens and Ankara seek closer economic ties. During talks in Ankara on Feb. 11, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reaffirmed a goal of raising annual bilateral trade to $10 billion by the end of the decade. Turkey’s Foreign Ministry put the two-way total at about $6.66 billion in 2025.
Border projects and trade goals shape bilateral relations
Both governments agreed to promote business contacts, investment and improved transport links. Their joint declaration covered road and rail connections and reviewed plans for a second bridge at the Kipi-Ipsala border crossing. They also identified electricity links and renewable energy as areas for possible cooperation.
The February meeting built on a 2023 declaration intended to strengthen dialogue and cooperation between the neighbors. Business councils and government officials have continued discussions on trade and investment since then.
Economic engagement has advanced despite longstanding disagreements over maritime boundaries and other issues in the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean. The countries pledged to keep communication channels open while pursuing practical cooperation.
The January-October figures underscore Greece’s position among Turkey’s nearby buyers as the governments work toward their wider trade target.
