Corporate Closure Rates Increase While Entrepreneurial Appetite Weakens in Turkey
TOBB data reveals a marked deterioration in company opening and closure rates between 2020 and 2026, with closures outpacing openings in sole proprietorships.
According to data from the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), an examination of the January-June periods between 2020 and 2026 reveals a serious deterioration in company opening and closure rates. It has been determined that closure rates have particularly surpassed openings in sole proprietorships.
Closure Rates by Year
When the establishment and closure figures for companies and sole proprietorships are evaluated solely through monthly or annual rate of change percentages, the full picture does not emerge. The ratio of closures to openings over the years provides a clearer picture of economic vitality and entrepreneurial appetite.
Trends in Joint Stock Companies
Considering the July data announced by TOBB and the January-June periods of 2020-2026, the situation in joint stock companies is striking. The ratio of closures to openings in joint stock companies, which was 19 percent in 2020, rose to 41 percent in the same period of 2026.
General Situation Across All Company Types
When all company types are considered together, it is observed that the ratio of closures to openings has increased significantly compared to past years. According to the data, this ratio across general company types rose from 13 percent to 24 percent.
The Picture in Sole Proprietorships
It is observed that the situation follows a much more critical trajectory in sole proprietorships. While the ratio of closures to openings was 85 percent in the first six months of 2020, this ratio reached 101 percent in the January-June period of 2026.
Factors Affecting Startups
The number of newly established companies continues to decrease systematically. The high-interest environment and problems in accessing credit continue to remain at deterrent levels for new startups.