Record exports and new benefits for families: key statements by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
06.05.2026 | 15:50 |President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan summarized the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting, addressing key achievements in the economy, foreign policy, and new social support measures for youth. The head of state emphasized that Türkiye is steadily strengthening its position as one of the leading poles of the emerging multipolar world.
Despite instability in the region, Turkish exports showed unprecedented growth, reaching a historic high: for the first time, the volume amounted to $275.8 billion over a 12-month period. In April alone, figures increased by 22.3% compared to the previous year, reaching $25.4 billion.
The automotive sector remains the leading industry with $3.9 billion, followed by the chemical industry and electronics. Significant success has also been achieved in the defense and aerospace sector, where exports grew by 28% in the first four months of the year, reaching nearly $1 billion.
Erdoğan noted that without Türkiye’s full membership, the European Union cannot become a full global actor. He stressed that the modern world is no longer limited to the “sphere of influence” of the West, and that Europe now needs Türkiye more than ever. Ankara calls on Brussels for sincere and equal relations free from political prejudice.
Through the Family and Youth Fund, the state provides young couples with 200,000 to 250,000 Turkish lira to start a family. The loan repayment terms have now become even more favorable: with the birth of the first child, the state covers payments for 12 months, and the remaining payments are deferred for a year. If a second child is born during the repayment period, the entire remaining loan is fully written off and converted into a grant.
ORIENT