Türkiye

Chemical industry snapshot

Contributing to economic growth

The chemical industry in Turkey greatly beneﬁtted from the export-oriented economic policy changes in 1980, and has shown an impressive increase both in production and exports over the last ﬁve years, contributing signiﬁcantly to the growth of the national economy. Currently, the Turkish chemical sector – with its modern technology and diversiﬁed products – is the key component of the manufacturing industry and integrated into the supply chain of national industries, especially the textiles, automotive and construction sectors.  

Product Range and Production 

The Turkish chemical sector covers a wide range of products in 14 distinct product chapters in foreign trade statistics. The production of the sector is generally aimed at products required by the manufacturing industry and the directly consumable products; namely, petrochemicals, thermoplastics, fertilizers, organic and inorganic chemicals, pharmaceuticals, synthetic ﬁbres and yarns, soap and detergents, paints, etc.  

Gross Production Value 

Gross production value in the chemical sector was around € 83 billion level in 2025 which comprised of chemicals/products (52%) and pharmaceutics (16%) and plastics & rubber (32%).  

Geographical Distribution and Development 

Most of the companies in the chemical industry, especially private sector companies, are located in Istanbul, Tekirdağ, İzmir, Kocaeli, Sakarya, Adana, Gaziantep and Ankara. The Turkish chemical industry has developed signiﬁcantly in terms of quality, productivity and protection of the environment, and has been successful in adopting the EU’s technical standards. In addition, Responsible Care, the chemical industry’s trademarked voluntary initiative on environmental, health and safety issues, has been successfully implemented since 1992.  

Regulatory Framework 

Türkiye has established a comprehensive chemicals management framework largely aligned with European Union legislation.

The Turkish Regulation on the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) of Substances and Mixtures entered into force in 2013 and has been regularly updated to maintain alignment with the European Union’s CLP Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008. The legislation incorporates successive Adaptations to Technical Progress (ATPs), ensuring that classification criteria, hazard communication requirements and harmonised classifications remain broadly consistent with the EU framework.

The Turkish REACH Regulation (KKDİK – Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) entered into force in 2017 and constitutes the cornerstone of Türkiye’s chemicals management system. Following amendments adopted in 2023 and subsequent implementation measures published by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, the registration process has entered a new phase.

Under the revised framework, companies are required to complete individual provisional registrations through the Chemicals Registration System (KKS), while the joint registration process—including lead registrant selection, data sharing and cost-sharing arrangements—is being implemented in accordance with the procedures and principles published by the Ministry. Registration deadlines have been revised according to tonnage bands and hazard classifications, with final registration deadlines set for 31 December 2026, 31 December 2028 and 31 December 2030.

Throughout 2025 and 2026, implementation efforts have focused on facilitating the transition to the revised registration system, improving digital registration processes and strengthening cooperation between the Ministry, industry associations and companies to ensure an efficient and transparent registration process. These developments represent an important step towards full implementation of the KKDİK registration system while maintaining broad regulatory convergence with the European Union.

Petrochemicals Industry 

The Turkish petrochemical industry has expanded significantly over the past decades and plays a strategic role in supplying raw materials to a wide range of downstream manufacturing industries, including plastics, packaging, automotive, construction, textiles and consumer goods.

The country’s integrated petrochemical production is centered around SOCAR Türkiye’s Petkim Petrochemical Complex in Aliağa, İzmir, which remains Türkiye’s only integrated producer of base petrochemicals. Petkim manufactures a broad portfolio of products including ethylene, polyethylene (HDPE and LDPE), polypropylene, PVC, aromatics, ethylene glycol, terephthalic acid intermediates, carbon black, acrylonitrile and caustic soda. Total petrochemical production is estimated at approximately 3 million tonnes per year, meeting around 25% of domestic demand, with the remainder supplied through imports.

Türkiye’s petrochemical value chain is further supported by its refining sector. STAR Refinery, commissioned by SOCAR in Aliağa in 2018, provides a reliable supply of naphtha and other refinery feedstocks that strengthen the country’s petrochemical integration and improve feedstock security for Petkim and other downstream industries. The refinery has an annual crude oil processing capacity of approximately 10 million tonnes.

Looking ahead, SOCAR Türkiye continues to evaluate major downstream petrochemical investments, including new olefin and polymer production facilities that would significantly increase domestic production capacity and reduce Türkiye’s dependence on imported petrochemical raw materials. Front-end engineering activities for the planned ethylene, polyethylene and polypropylene production complex are expected to commence in 2026, subject to final investment decisions.

Domestic Investments 

Recent domestic investments demonstrate the continued expansion of Türkiye’s petrochemical and specialty chemicals industry, with a strong focus on increasing local production capacity, reducing import dependency and strengthening the country’s industrial value chain.

SASA Polyester Sanayi A.Ş. has significantly expanded its polyester production capacity through a series of major investments. Following a USD 1 billion investment in a new fiber production facility, the company’s fiber capacity increased from 350,000 tonnes to 750,000 tonnes per year, while total polyester production capacity reached approximately 1.4 million tonnes per year with the commissioning of an additional polyester plant. SASA is also developing a 1.6 million tonnes per year Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) production facility, a strategic upstream investment that will supply raw materials for its polyester operations. The project is supported by a technology licensing agreement with Invista (Koch Industries).

Another landmark investment has been undertaken by OYAK, in partnership with CSRC Corporation (Taiwan), through the construction of a carbon black production facility in İskenderun. The fully operational plant has an annual production capacity of 220,000 tonnes, supplying the domestic tire, rubber, coatings and specialty materials industries while reducing Türkiye’s dependence on imports of this critical industrial raw material.

In the specialty chemicals sector, Toyo Ink completed a USD 75 million investment in a new manufacturing facility in Manisa, which became fully operational in 2024. The plant produces advanced solvent-based printing inks and lamination adhesives for the flexible packaging industry, incorporating modern production technologies and supporting the growing packaging sector.

Similarly, Akkim Kimya commissioned its integrated epoxy chemicals investment in Yalova in 2025. The approximately USD 100 million project includes production facilities with annual capacities of 25,000 tonnes of epichlorohydrin, 31,000 tonnes of liquid epoxy resin, and 12,000 tonnes of solid epoxy resin. The investment was accompanied by an expansion of the company’s chlor-alkali production capacity, further strengthening Türkiye’s position in the specialty chemicals value chain.

Textile Sector and Polymer Production 

Türkiye is one of Europe’s leading textile and apparel manufacturing countries, supported by a well-established chemical and polymer industry. The close integration between the textile and chemicals sectors has fostered significant investments in synthetic fibres, polymers and textile chemicals over recent decades.

The private sector plays a dominant role in the production of synthetic fibres, including polyester, polyamide and acrylic fibres, with an estimated annual production capacity exceeding 1 million tonnes. Turkish manufacturers supply both domestic and international markets, while continuing to invest in higher value-added technical textiles, performance fibres and sustainable production technologies.

Driven by the European Green Deal and evolving global market requirements, the industry is increasingly focusing on recycled and bio-based raw materials, circular economy practices, resource efficiency and low-carbon manufacturing processes, strengthening Türkiye’s competitiveness in global textile value chains.

Fertilizer Industry 

The fertilizer industry is an important component of Türkiye’s chemical sector, supporting one of the region’s largest agricultural economies. The industry comprises several major private-sector producers manufacturing a broad range of nitrogen, phosphate and compound fertilizers for the domestic market and export.

Türkiye has an estimated annual fertilizer production capacity exceeding 4.5 million tonnes. While domestic production supplies a significant share of national demand, the sector remains dependent on imported raw materials and certain fertilizer products, particularly natural gas and phosphate-based inputs. Consequently, improving raw material security, energy efficiency and sustainability has become a strategic priority for the industry.

In recent years, fertilizer producers have continued to invest in modernization, environmental performance and energy-efficient production technologies to enhance competitiveness while supporting sustainable agricultural production.

Other Key Areas of Production 

Pharmaceuticals, soap, detergents and personal care, soda, boron chemicals, paints and coatings, fatty acids and rose oil are the other main areas of production of the chemical industry.

Pharmaceuticals Industry

The pharmaceutical industry is one of the most advanced and technology-intensive segments of Türkiye’s chemical sector, supported by a well-established manufacturing base, a highly qualified workforce and a strong regulatory framework aligned with international standards. The sector plays a strategic role in ensuring healthcare security while contributing significantly to industrial production, exports and research and development activities.

Türkiye has more than 100 pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, including production sites operated by both domestic companies and leading multinational pharmaceutical manufacturers. The industry supplies the majority of the domestic market through local production while steadily expanding its export presence across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia and other international markets.

The Turkish pharmaceutical market comprises over 8,000 licensed medicinal products, covering both innovative medicines and a broad portfolio of high-quality generic pharmaceuticals. In recent years, the sector has increasingly invested in biotechnology, biosimilars, sterile manufacturing, oncology products, vaccines and other high value-added therapeutic areas, supported by growing research and development capabilities and technology transfer initiatives.

Sustainability, digitalisation and supply chain resilience are becoming increasingly important priorities. Manufacturers continue to invest in advanced production technologies, quality systems, environmental performance and international Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, further strengthening Türkiye’s position as a competitive regional pharmaceutical manufacturing hub.

Soap and Detergent and Personel Care Industry 

The Turkish soap, detergents and personal care industry is one of the most dynamic and export-oriented segments of the chemical sector. Supported by a strong manufacturing base and continuous investments from both domestic and international companies, the industry supplies a wide range of household cleaning, hygiene, cosmetics and personal care products to both domestic and international markets. Türkiye has established itself as an important regional production and export hub, benefiting from its strategic location and well-developed manufacturing infrastructure.

Today, the sector is estimated to have an annual detergent production capacity of around 1.7 million tonnes and a soap production capacity of approximately 650,000 tonnes, while the cosmetics and personal care market continues to expand in line with rising consumer demand. Turkish manufacturers export their products to more than 170 countries, with Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia representing key export destinations.

The industry has continued to strengthen its export performance through a diversified portfolio including detergents, soaps, surface cleaners, disinfectants, cosmetics, personal hygiene and hair care products. In recent years, premium products, dermocosmetics and innovative hygiene solutions have become increasingly important growth areas.

Sustainability and innovation are becoming key drivers of competitiveness. Manufacturers are investing in concentrated formulations, biodegradable ingredients, bio-based raw materials, recyclable and refillable packaging, as well as water- and energy-efficient production technologies. In line with the European Green Deal and evolving consumer expectations, companies are increasingly embracing circular economy principles and reducing the environmental footprint of both products and manufacturing processes.

The sector continues to strengthen its research and development capabilities, with increasing emphasis on product safety, regulatory compliance, sustainable sourcing and environmentally friendly formulations, reinforcing Türkiye’s position as a competitive supplier in international markets.

Paints and Coatings Industry 

The Turkish paints and coatings industry is one of the most advanced and export-oriented branches of the country’s chemical sector. Supported by strong construction, automotive, furniture, industrial manufacturing and marine industries, Türkiye has become the fifth-largest paint producer in Europe and accounts for approximately 2% of the global paints and coatings market. The industry exports to 168 countries and consists of nearly 20 large-scale manufacturers together with a broad network of medium-sized and specialized producers.

The sector produces a diversified portfolio of decorative and industrial coatings. Decorative paints account for approximately 60% of total production, while industrial coatings serve high value-added applications including automotive OEM and refinish, powder coatings, wood coatings, coil coatings, protective and marine coatings, packaging coatings and printing inks. This diversified production structure enables the industry to supply both domestic and international markets with technologically advanced coating solutions.

Sustainability has become a key driver of the sector’s transformation. Turkish manufacturers are increasingly investing in waterborne, powder and other low-VOC coating technologies, driven by environmental regulations, customer expectations and alignment with the European Green Deal. The transition towards environmentally friendly formulations, resource efficiency and circular economy practices is accelerating across the industry.

Soda Factory in the Middle East 

Turkey has the largest soda factory in the Middle East, with a total capacity of 880,000 tonnes per year. In addition to light and dense soda ash, reﬁned sodium bicarbonate and sodium silicate are produced at the Mersin plant. An extremely rich trona (natural soda ash) deposit was found near Ankara, at Beypazari and Kazan at present Turkey has substantial export potential for soda ash. Eti Soda A.Ş. started operation in 2009, its production exceded 5 million tonnes/year soda ash production in 2025. 

Advantage in Boron Chemicals 

Turkey also enjoys a comparative advantage in boron chemicals – borax decahydrate, borax pentahydrate, boric acid and sodium perborate – due to the size of its reserves, the quality of minerals and proximity to consumer markets. Eti Maden is the dominant producer of boron minerals and boron chemicals and the sole exclusive exporter of boron chemicals.

Growth of the Specialty Chemicals

Driven by Turkey’s industrial development, the production and consumption of specialty chemicals have continued to expand steadily in recent years. The country has also witnessed significant growth in the textile and leather chemicals segments, supported by the emergence of numerous small and medium-sized enterprises operating in these fields.

The Turkish chemical industry has become an increasingly attractive destination for international investment, with approximately 353 foreign-invested companies currently operating in the sector. Today, the chemical industry accounts for 14% of Turkey’s total foreign direct investment, highlighting its strategic importance to the country’s industrial ecosystem.

How are we doing?

Strengths

Strategic geographical location connecting Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, with direct access to major global markets and international energy corridors.
Young, dynamic and skilled workforce, providing strong long-term employment potential.
High level of alignment with international standards and continuous harmonization with EU legislation, facilitating access to European markets.
Robust domestic market of over 85 million consumers, creating strong and stable demand.

Challenges

R&D expenditure in the chemical sector remains below the level required to accelerate innovation and the development of high-value products.
Heavy dependence on imported raw materials and energy, which account for approximately 70% of sectoral inputs and increase production costs.
Limited domestic production capacity in high value-added and specialty chemicals.
Need for integrated chemical clusters with port infrastructure to enhance economies of scale, logistics efficiency and industrial synergies.

Our contribution to a competitive Europe

Turkey’s chemical industry is well positioned to contribute to Europe’s industrial competitiveness by serving as a reliable, sustainable and innovative manufacturing partner.

Key enabling factors include:

Continued public investment in industrial infrastructure, alongside growing support for research, development and innovation, strengthening the sector’s competitiveness.
Significant growth in the production and export of high value-added specialty chemicals over the past decade, driven by increasing technological capabilities and innovation.
Strong renewable energy potential, particularly in wind and solar power, creating favourable conditions for new low-carbon chemical investments aligned with the objectives of the European Green Deal.
A highly integrated value chain and close economic ties with the European Union, positioning Turkey as a strategic partner for resilient, diversified and sustainable chemical supply chains.