Turkey sells footwear to 186 countries and other leather products to 202 destinations. There has been an increase in export figures compared to last year despite the protectionist measures in global trade and the shrinking trade volume. Exports of saddlery and footwear increased and exports of semi-finished products, leather and fur apparel fell. The decrease in leather apparel was due to the decline in sales to Russia. 

There has been no decrease in exports to other countries but leather apparel sales to the European Union countries, the United States and the Far East increased. The major export destinations are Russia, Germany, Italy, Iraq, Spain and South Korea. China is the biggest market and is enabling Turkey to set historic records in footwear exports. 

Now the aim is to triple exports of leather and leather products to South Korea and open a trade center in that country. Turkey is also exploring the possibility of selling shoes to South Africa and Chile. Turkish exporters are starting to sell more value-added products and raise the number of target countries. Australia has been identified as a focus region for export by footwear and apparel exporters in Turkey. The Australian market provides a huge potential for Turkey with its high purchasing power and living standards.