Türkiye’s exports to #Gulfcountries fell by an average of 40% in the first 13 days following the outbreak of the Iran conflict on Feb. 28, as disrupted transport routes and surging costs slowed trade activity, a sector head reported. Mustafa Gultepe, chief of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (#TIM), said the initial expectation of a short-lived conflict had shifted, with early indicators pointing to a longer disruption affecting both regional and global trade. The decline has been most visible in chemicals, food, defense-related goods, and ready-to-wear clothing with retail networks in the region. These sectors rely heavily on stable supply chains and regular distribution routes, which have been disrupted since the escalation began, Gultepe highlighted. Gultepe said Türkiye’s export structure provides some short-term resilience, as 45% to 50% of shipments are directed to European markets, where #economicactivity continues without major disruption. He noted that the United States remai...