Stronger Sino-Turkish ties to mutual benefit

China and Turkiye are key geopolitical players and advocates of a multipolar world, but the growth in bilateral trade has been driven by market forces rather than government-led initiatives.

Turkiye primarily imports semi-finished goods and raw materials from China, which it then processes and re-exports to other countries, indicating Turkiye's limited access to alternative suppliers. The country's principal exports to China include natural stones and minerals. But the relatively small scale of Turkish enterprises, along with the geographical distance between the two countries, hinders Turkish enterprises from establishing a prominent presence in China's market.

Market dynamics favor larger economic players, exacerbating the trade imbalance between the two countries. In 2023, for example, the trade volume between the two countries reached $43.4 billion, yet the disparity remains stark: China accounts for 93 percent of the total, with Turkiye accounting for a meager 7 percent. Notably, Turkish products have yet to gain significant market recognition among China's affluent population.