Chemicals

Türkiye’s chemical industry is one of the country’s most strategic and fast-developing sectors, playing a critical role in supplying inputs to a wide range of industries including agriculture, construction, automotive, textiles, packaging, pharmaceuticals, and personal care.

Market Size & Strategic Position As of 2025, the chemical sector accounts for over 10% of Türkiye’s total exports, with strong performance in plastics, inorganic chemicals, cosmetics, and cleaning products. Türkiye’s geographic location—bridging Europe, Asia, and the Middle East—offers manufacturers and traders access to more than 1.5 billion consumers within a 4-hour flight radius.

Foreign Investment & Production Capacity Türkiye has attracted major global chemical companies through joint ventures and direct investments. Industrial zones such as Gebze, İzmir Aliağa, and Adana Yumurtalık host large-scale production facilities, supported by modern logistics infrastructure and port access. Specialization zones for petrochemicals and industrial chemicals are also expanding.

Petrochemicals & Plastics Plastics production and exports remain among the strongest segments. Major projects like the Petkim Petrokimya Complex and STAR Refinery in İzmir strengthen Türkiye’s integrated production capacity. With growing demand from packaging, automotive, and construction sectors, the plastics sub-sector offers increasing investment potential.

Green & Specialty Chemicals In line with the EU Green Deal and Türkiye’s own 2053 net-zero target, there is a rising demand for biodegradable materials, green solvents, low-carbon production processes, and specialty chemicals. Circular economy principles and waste valorization are becoming key themes for innovation and competitiveness.

R&D and Innovation Türkiye supports innovation in chemicals through R&D incentives, tech parks, and university-industry collaborations. Local companies are expanding their product portfolios with high-value-added specialties, particularly in pharmaceuticals, personal care, and coatings.

The chemical sector in Türkiye offers a strong industrial base, skilled workforce, and proximity to key markets — making it an ideal destination for manufacturers, investors, and technology providers seeking long-term growth.