Have Export Incentives in Turkey Been Removed or Strengthened in 2026?

Have Export Incentives in Turkey Been Removed or Strengthened in 2026?

Have export incentives in Turkey been removed or strengthened in 2026? This is one of the most important questions for exporters, manufacturers, trading companies, and foreign investors active in Turkey.

In 2026, the clear and accurate answer is: export incentives have not been removed; they have been restructured, targeted, and in many areas strengthened. However, access to these incentives has become more conditional, performance-based, and compliance-driven than in previous years.

This article provides a complete, in-depth, and SEO-optimised analysis of how Turkey’s export incentives have evolved in 2026, what has changed in practice, and what exporters must do to benefit from them.

Big Picture: From Broad Incentives to Strategic Incentives

Turkey has not abandoned export promotion. Instead, it has shifted its incentive policy from quantity-focused to quality-focused exports.

The strategic objectives in 2026 are to:

• Increase export value, not just volume

• Support high value-added and technology-driven exports

• Reduce import dependency in export production

• Improve foreign currency earnings sustainability

• Align exports with industrial and green transformation goals

As a result, incentives are more selective—but also more powerful for the right exporters.

Core Export Incentives Still Exist in 2026

Fundamental export incentive mechanisms remain in place:

• Export support and refund programs

• Eximbank financing and insurance

• VAT exemption on exports

• Customs duty exemptions for export-related inputs

• Foreign exchange earning services incentives

None of these pillars have been abolished.

What has changed is how eligibility is assessed and monitored.

Strengthening of Targeted Export Support Programs

In 2026, Turkey has strengthened incentives in priority sectors, including:

• Manufacturing with high domestic value-added

• Machinery, automotive, and industrial equipment

• Electronics and technology products

• Defence-related civilian supply chains

• Chemicals and advanced materials

• Food products with branding and traceability

• Services exports (software, engineering, design, consulting)

Exporters in these areas benefit from higher support ceilings, longer incentive durations, and bundled support packages.

Shift Toward Performance-Based Incentives

One of the most important changes in 2026 is that export incentives are now earned, not assumed.

Authorities increasingly assess:

• Actual export performance

• Value-added ratios

• Foreign currency inflows

• Market diversification

• Compliance history

Incentives are:

• Expanded for exporters who meet targets

• Reduced or withdrawn for underperforming or non-compliant firms

This makes export incentives dynamic, not automatic.

Export Financing: More Available, More Conditional

Export financing has not been reduced—but it is more structured.

In 2026:

• Export credit remains widely available

• Export insurance coverage has expanded

• Pre-shipment and post-shipment financing is supported

However:

• Financial transparency is required

• Export proceeds repatriation is monitored

• AML and compliance checks are stricter

Strong exporters benefit from better access to cheaper capital.

VAT and Tax Incentives: No Removal, Stricter Control

VAT exemption on exports continues unchanged.

However, in 2026:

• VAT refunds are audited more closely

• Documentation requirements are stricter

• Cross-checks with customs and banking data are automated

This has not reduced incentives, but it has eliminated misuse. Compliant exporters experience predictable refunds, while weak documentation leads to delays.

Green and Sustainable Export Incentives Expanded

A major development in 2026 is the integration of sustainability into export incentives.

Turkey has expanded support for:

• Low-carbon production

• Energy efficiency investments

• Environmental compliance upgrades

• Traceability and reporting systems

This is partly driven by:

• EU CBAM requirements

• Global buyer expectations

• Long-term competitiveness strategy

Exporters who invest in sustainability now receive preferential support.

Reduced Support for Low Value-Added and Import-Dependent Exports

While incentives are strengthened overall, some categories receive less emphasis.

In 2026:

• Pure trading exports with minimal value addition receive limited support

• Export models heavily dependent on imported inputs face tighter scrutiny

• Low-margin, price-driven exports receive fewer benefits

This is not a punishment—it is policy redirection.

Services Exports: One of the Biggest Winners

One of the most strengthened areas in 2026 is services exports.

Incentives for:

• Software and IT services

• Engineering and technical services

• Design, branding, and creative industries

• Digital platforms serving foreign markets

have expanded significantly, reflecting Turkey’s strategy to:

• Earn foreign currency without logistics dependency

• Reduce exposure to customs and tariff barriers

Services exporters are among the biggest beneficiaries of the new incentive model.

Compliance and Transparency: The Price of Incentives

In 2026, export incentives come with clear compliance expectations.

Exporters must:

• Declare export proceeds accurately

• Repatriate foreign currency as required

• Maintain clean tax and customs records

• Avoid artificial pricing or round-tripping

Companies with compliance issues may:

• Lose incentive eligibility

• Face delayed payments

• Be excluded from future programs

Incentives are now a privilege tied to trust.

What Has NOT Happened (Important Clarifications)

To avoid misinformation:

• ❌ Export incentives have not been abolished

• ❌ VAT exemption on exports has not been removed

• ❌ Export financing has not been cut

• ❌ Foreign exporters are not excluded

• ❌ No blanket reduction across all sectors

The system has evolved—not collapsed.

Practical Impact on Exporters

In 2026, exporters experience:

• More paperwork, but more predictability

• Fewer “easy” incentives, but higher-quality support

• Stronger alignment between export success and state support

For serious exporters, the environment is better than before.

Strategic Recommendations for Exporters

To benefit fully from export incentives in 2026:

• Focus on value-added production

• Document export performance meticulously

• Align with priority sectors and markets

• Invest in sustainability and compliance

• Treat incentives as part of long-term strategy

Export incentives now reward strategy, not shortcuts.

So, have export incentives in Turkey been removed or strengthened in 2026?

They have been strengthened—but selectively and conditionally.

Turkey in 2026 has:

• Preserved core export incentives

• Expanded support for strategic exports

• Reduced tolerance for low-impact models

• Linked incentives to performance and compliance

For exporters who create value, diversify markets, and operate transparently, export incentives are stronger and more effective than ever.
For those relying on volume alone or informal practices, access has become significantly more difficult.