Türkiye-Spain ties hit record highs in trade and tourism

2026-03-07 - 12:12

Strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between Türkiye and Spain yielded record-breaking results in 2025, with bilateral trade volume reaching its highest level since official data began in 2013. The positive trajectory reflects shared political and economic objectives that have translated into tangible benefits for both nations. Trade Milestones According to Turkish Statistical Institute data, bilateral trade surged 29.2% between 2021 and 2025, culminating in a historic $20.6 billion volume last year. Türkiye's exports to Spain surpassed $10 billion for the first time, reaching $10.4 billion, while imports from Spain rose to $10.1 billion. Spain solidified its position as Türkiye's seventh-largest export destination. Motor vehicles led export categories at $3.05 billion, followed by knitted apparel and accessories at $1.09 billion, and boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances at $927 million. Tourism Boom The number of Spanish visitors to Türkiye hit an unprecedented 452,790 in 2025, continuing a strong recovery from pandemic lows of 54,381 in 2020. The upward trend accelerated with 382,896 visitors in 2024 before last year's record performance. January 2026 alone saw a 24.1% year-on-year increase, with 24,847 Spanish tourists choosing Türkiye as their destination. The tourism figures complement the robust trade performance, reflecting growing people-to-people connections and mutual appreciation between the two Mediterranean nations.