Trade protectionism and tariff measures that have taken hold of the global economy in recent weeks, have long been implemented by states for many years. Following the Global Financial Crisis in 2008, protectionist measures increased rapidly and have had a growing impact on trade since.
Developed countries, in particular, have resorted to trade protectionism more often. China has been the country most exposed to such measures. China's economic growth and expanding trade have prompted many countries to take countermeasures.
The trade wars launched by US President Trump continue unchanged. Today, global trade, which has reached a volume of $50 trillion USD, is under threat from protectionist policies. International organisations estimate that global trade could suffer losses of up to $1 trillion USD and may even contract as a result. Similarly, global economic output may also decline (Table 1).
TABLE 1. TRADE PROTECTIONCISM MEASURE NUMBERS (2008-2025)
Turkey’s Foreign Trade Volume to Increase
Compared to countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, and China, Turkey adopts a pro-free trade stance. In the renewed wave of trade wars, Turkey again separates itself from the US, the EU, and China, by continuing to promote free trade.
Projections from experts suggest that Turkey’s Foreign Trade Volume, currently around $600 billion USD, is expected to reach $850 billion USD by 2030. It is anticipated that issues such as Foreign Trade Deficit and Current Account Deficit, longstanding problems for Turkey, will decrease, leading to significant improvement of the Turkish economy. Forecasts by institutions such as the IMF, World Bank, and OECD also highlight a similar trend (Graph 1).
Turkish Tourism, Technology, and Real Estate sectors
In recent years, Turkey has made significant strides in sectors such as tourism, high technology, and real estate, and is now preparing for new investments worth billions of dollars.
According to research, the Turkish real estate market, which has attracted investments from over 400,000 foreign investors, continues to break sales records in cities including Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, and Fethiye.
In the tourism industry, Turkey has become the sixth most visited destination in the world, hosting 62 million tourists. With $60 billion USD in tourism revenue in 2024, Turkey ranks as the eighth country with the highest tourism income, while also making investments across various sectors.
Among the most prioritised sectors is high technology, in line with Turkey’s export-oriented development model. Having allocated $200 billion USD to R&D so far, Turkey stands out as the world’s 12th largest manufacturing Economy.
GRAPH 1. TURKEY’S TOTAL FOREIGN TRADE (BILLION DOLLAR)
Foreign Companies continuing to Invest in Turkey
Despite tensions in global trade, Turkey continues to prioritise free trade and has the potential to attract a significant number of investors. In particular, Asian companies are investing in Turkish cities to avoid tariffs.
Chinese automotive firms BYD and Chery have announced investment plans exceeding $1 billion USD in Turkey. Huawei's second-largest R&D Center is located in Turkey. American companies are the second-largest group of investors in Turkey after the Netherlands.
As of April 2025, Turkey has attracted $275 billion USD in Foreign Direct Investment and is projected to draw an additional $140 billion USD by 2030. Asian firms increasingly prefer Turkey due to its customs union with the EU and its large labour force. Reflecting these investments, the Turkish property market is currently experiencing one of its strongest sales periods (Graph 2).
GRAPH 2. TURKEY’S FDI INFLOW (BILLION DOLLAR)
Istanbul 
3 
2 
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