Exploring Türkiye’s Export Potential in Creative Industries: 2025 Outlook
Türkiye’s creative industries have witnessed remarkable growth momentum through 2024 into 2025, mirroring global trends that highlight the expanding role of developing economies in the creative economy. As of 2022, Türkiye already established a firm foothold in the export of creative services, particularly in the fields of design, software, and media.
Türkiye’s Export Performance in 2025
Türkiye kicked off 2025 with a record-breaking export performance. In January alone, exports rose by 5.8% year-on-year, reaching $21.2 billion. By mid-year, total exports for the January–June period reached $131.4 billion, marking a 4.1% increase over the same period in 2024. These figures reflect sustained growth across all sectors—including creative industries—driven by both demand and robust export support mechanisms.
Strategic Approach for Creative Industries
Focused Export Plans in Cultural and Creative Sectors
Türkiye’s 2025 Export Action Plan prioritizes targeted support for cultural services and creative industries. Key initiatives include:
- 19 individual participations in international events
- 3 national participation organizations
- 2 themed sectoral trade missions
- 1 HISER project to support business clustering and internationalization
Software and ICT: A Rising Export Powerhouse
Türkiye’s software sector continues to emerge as a critical component of the economy’s digital transformation. To boost service exports in tech and software, the 2025 strategy includes:
- 5 targeted international marketing campaigns
- 15 national pavilion participations in global tech events
- 500 individual participations in international tech exhibitions
- 8 active HISER projects tailored for ICT firms
Key Growth Drivers Supporting Export Gains
Logistics and Digital Infrastructure
Türkiye is leveraging its strategic location and improved logistics infrastructure to increase market access for creative products and services. In 2025, the logistics industry aims to surpass $48 billion in export value, with 7 national participations at global trade expos to enhance connectivity for service exporters.
Human Capital Development Through Education
A strong talent pipeline is vital for scaling creative sectors. Türkiye plans to increase its population of international students from 336,000 to 385,000 by the end of 2025. This emphasis on education supports the development of globally competitive talent across the creative spectrum, particularly in design, media, and tech.
Opportunities for International Entrepreneurs
Design and Media: High-Potential Areas
Türkiye’s growing reputation in creative services presents unique opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs. Sectors such as design and media are especially promising, supported by sustained investments and international collaboration opportunities. As the global creative economy expands, Türkiye’s exports in these categories are expected to accelerate.
Robust Export Support Mechanisms
Türkiye has also ramped up international engagement through:
- 269 outbound trade missions
- 85 inbound buyer missions
- 330 global promotional events
- 65 domestic trade events
This extensive network facilitates matchmaking, market discovery, and partnership development for creative industries.
Trade Fairs and Exhibition Funding
The government’s “Fairground Construction Support” scheme provides funding for the development of international-standard exhibition venues. These hubs serve as critical platforms for Turkish and international businesses to showcase creative products and services, build networks, and access key markets.
Conclusion: Türkiye’s Role in the Global Creative Economy
A 4.1% increase in exports in the first half of 2025, combined with strategic sectoral support, underlines Türkiye’s potential as a rising global player in the creative industries. For international entrepreneurs and investors, Türkiye offers a vibrant and scalable market for collaboration in design, software, media, and cultural services.
