Turkey's service trade data announced, and non-tourism deficit increased
According to TURKSTAT data, although the general service surplus increased in the 2016-2025 period, the deficit in areas other than tourism and travel rose by 77.9%.
According to TURKSTAT International Service Trade Statistics, Turkey's service exports and net surplus showed a significant increase in the 2016-2025 period. However, when tourism and logistics sectors are excluded from the calculations, the service trade deficit increased by 77.9% to reach $10.87 billion.
General Service Trade Data
The service sector, which continues to play a significant role in the foreign trade balance of the Turkish economy, recorded growth over the past decade. According to TURKSTAT data, service exports stood at $51.38 billion in 2016 and reached $124.88 billion in 2025 with an increase of 143%.
Share of Travel and Transportation
The travel and transportation sub-sectors carried the main burden of growth in the last ten-year period. These two major items constituted a large portion, namely 82.2% of total service exports in 2025, playing a leading role in the increase of the net surplus.
Deficit Excluding Tourism and Logistics
When tourism and transportation activities are excluded from calculations, the deficit picture in Turkey's service trade becomes more pronounced. Excluding these areas, the deficit, which was $6.11 billion in 2016, rose to $10.87 billion in 2025.
Technology and Intellectual Property Deficit
It was observed that the foreign trade deficit increased in value-added and technology-oriented fields. While the net deficit in intellectual property rights such as licenses, patents, and software rose to $4.23 billion in 2025, deficits also recorded growth in insurance and pension services.
Positive Development in the IT Sector
The telecommunications, computer, and information services category represented the only positive divergence within the period. Software and IT exports increased by 537.8%, bringing the chronic deficit in the sector to the verge of closing.
Service Exports by Country
When travel is excluded, the highest amount of service exports was realized to the United States. Following the US were Germany, the United Kingdom, and Russia, respectively, and significant net service trade surpluses were achieved with these countries.
Imports and Countries with Deficits
Ireland ranked first in service imports. Turkey's largest service trade deficits were recorded against Ireland, Liberia, and Panama due to the headquarters of international technology companies and maritime registration practices.