Economic Activities in Turkey (Turkiye): Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Quaternary

Key Economic Insights: The economy of Turkey (Turkiye) generates an estimated GDP of $1.60 trillion ($18,599 per capita) supporting a population of 85.9 million. Productive output is anchored by 59.4% services, 24.0% industry and manufacturing, and 5.2% agriculture and natural resource extraction. Key merchandise exports include garments, refined petroleum, cars, jewelry, and plastic products, directed primarily toward Germany, the US, Iraq, the UK, and Italy.

As of 2025, Turkey (Türkiye) has a population of about 85.9 million, ranking 18th globally. Located in the Middle East, it covers a total area of 785,350 square kilometers, ranking 35th worldwide, just below Pakistan.

As of 2025, Turkey has a GDP of about $1.60 trillion, ranking 16th globally (World Bank). Turkey’s GDP per capita is approximately $18,599.

Turkey’s economic position reflects its significant contributions to various industries and its growing presence in the global market, positioning it as a key player in the region.

Table of Contents

Turkey (Turkiye) Economic Structure & Sector Analysis

Economic Dimension	Figure	Authoritative Source
GDP & Macro Output	Nominal GDP: $1.60 trillion \| Per Capita: $18,599	World Bank WDI / IMF
Sector Breakdown	Services: 59.4% \| Industry: 24.0% \| Agriculture: 5.2%	World Bank National Accounts
Trade & Commodities	Top Exports: garments, refined petroleum, cars, jewelry, and plastic products	UN Comtrade / OEC
Demographics & Labor	Population: 85.9 million	ILO / UN Population Division
Strategic Trade Corridors	Leading Trade Partners: Germany, the US, Iraq, the UK, and Italy	World Bank WITS / IMF DOTS

Primary activities: 5.2% of GDP.
Secondary activities: 24.0% of GDP.
Tertiary activities: 59.4% of GDP.

Turkey (Turkiye) economy by sector

Share of GDP, 2025, compared with the world average

Services make up the largest part of the economy, at 59.4% of GDP in 2025. Agriculture’s share is close to the world average of 4.1%, and industry’s share is close to the world’s 25.4%. Data: World Bank, World Development Indicators (value added by sector, % of GDP). The three shares do not add up to exactly 100% because GDP also includes taxes on products minus subsidies.

Primary Sector of Turkey (Turkiye)

With 49.49% of the land dedicated to agriculture, the country produces a variety of crops and animal products. The main agricultural products include milk, wheat, sugar beets, tomatoes, barley, maize, potatoes, apples, grapes, and watermelons.

Agriculture contributes only 5.2% to the GDP, but it provides employment and sustains rural livelihoods. The wide range of agricultural products highlights the sector’s significance in ensuring food security and promoting economic stability in Turkey.

With its diverse geological landscape, the primary sector thrives in Turkey. Abundant in resources like coal, iron ore, and copper, it fuels the economy. Other key resources include gold, marble, and hydropower, supporting various industries and agriculture. The country’s rich natural endowments drive growth and development in the primary sector.

Secondary Sector of Turkey (Turkiye)

In Turkey, industrial products include textiles, food processing, automobiles, electronics, coal, chromate, copper, boron, steel, petroleum, construction materials, lumber, and paper.Manufactures accounted for 73.25% of Turkey’s total exports in 2023. They drive economic growth, create jobs, and contribute significantly to the country’s trade balance.

Tertiary sector of Turkey (Turkiye)

Istanbul bazaar district illustrating Turkey's tertiary service sector

The tertiary sector, also known as the service sector, encompasses intangible goods like advice and expertise. In Turkey, key tertiary activities include restaurants, healthcare, education, banking, communication, tourism, and transportation. These services meet both consumer and business needs in the country’s economy.Turkey’s tourism industry is a major part of the economy, contributing significantly to its GDP and employment. As of 2024, the country welcomed a record 52.6 million international arrivals. Istanbul, with its rich history and vibrant culture, and Antalya, renowned for its breathtaking beaches and resorts, stand out as top destinations.Another example of tertiary economic activity is the mobile cellular sector, with approximately 90 million subscriptions, exceeding the population. This connectivity supports technological growth, innovation, and digital services.

Military Activities and Economic Sectors of Turkey (Turkiye)

In Turkey, the primary sector helps by providing resources needed for military use. The secondary sector is important too, as it manufactures weapons and equipment. The tertiary sector includes services like logistics and training. The quaternary sector focuses on research and development, while the quinary sector involves high-level decision-making and strategy planning.

As of 2024, Turkey’s military expenditure was about 25 billion US dollars, roughly 1.9% of its GDP (SIPRI). The country has an active military force of around 355,000 personnel, about 4 active members for every 1,000 people.

Biggest company in Turkey (Turkiye)

Which is the biggest company in Turkey? As of 2025, one of the largest Turkish companies by market capitalization is Aselsan (Aselsan Elektronik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.), with a market value of roughly $39 billion. It is a defense electronics manufacturer, part of the Secondary economic sector, and was founded in 1975.

International Trade of Turkey (Turkiye)

Import Activities of Turkey (Turkiye)

As of 2024, Turkey’s imports totaled about $344 billion (roughly 26% of GDP), according to TurkStat.Turkey’s key import partners are China, Germany, Russia, the US, and Italy. The country primarily imports gold, refined petroleum, plastics, scrap iron, and cars. These imports supply Turkey’s industries and help drive its economy.

Exports Activities of Turkey (Turkiye)

As of 2024, Turkey’s exports totaled a record $262 billion (about 20% of GDP).Turkey’s export activities are diverse, with top partners like Germany, the US, Iraq, the UK, and Italy. Key export commodities include garments, refined petroleum, cars, jewelry, and plastic products.

Turkey (Turkiye) economy challenges in 2024

In 2024, Turkey faces challenges of stabilizing its economy after inflation and currency depreciation. The reversal of expansionary policies is underway, aiming to address these issues. The country’s industrialization and agricultural base provide a foundation for recovery.

Sources

Last updated: October 2026

Share These Resources:

imports of Turkey Turkiye gold refined petroleum plastics scrap iron cars

Post Author

Juan David Montoya

Economist & Senior Economic Researcher. Editorial Director of EconomicActivity.org. Specializes in macroeconomic indicators, international trade flows, and economic sector taxonomy (ISIC Rev. 4). Analyzes multilateral data from the World Bank, IMF, UN Comtrade, and OECD.