February 2026

At the beginning of 2026, the Turkish economy is showing encouraging signs on several fronts despite a still uncertain global environment.

On the macroeconomic front, Türkiye appears to be entering a phase of gradual disinflation. According to the latest report from the International Monetary Fund, annual inflation has already declined significantly, falling from around 49.4% at the end of 2024 to 30.9% at the end of 2025. In this context, GDP growth is expected to remain solid, with an estimate close to 4.2% for 2026.

In terms of trade, Türkiye reached a historic milestone in 2025. Total exports amounted to approximately USD 273.4 billion, a record annual value and an increase of about 4.5% compared to the previous year. This performance has been driven by the dynamism of the industrial sector (which accounts for more than 80% of total exports). The automotive industry remains the traditional export leader (USD 41.5 billion, +11.6% year-on-year). Chemical products and electrical-electronics goods have also played a key role, with approximately USD 31.9 billion and USD 17.7 billion in exports respectively. In high-growth segments, the defense and aerospace industry now exports more than USD 10.5 billion, positioning Türkiye strongly in a strategic sector.

Finally, on the economic diplomacy front, the business delegation led by MEDEF International, in which Ilker ONUR, CEO of Advantis, took part, first brought together French business leaders and several Turkish ministers in Ankara for operational discussions on sectoral priorities and investment projects. The mission concluded in Istanbul with the France–Türkiye Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO), co-chaired by Nicolas Forissier, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and France’s Attractiveness, and Omer Bolat, Minister of Trade of Türkiye.

This JETCO formalized a common roadmap to strengthen trade and investment, in a context where bilateral trade reached USD 24.1 billion in 2025. Several memoranda of cooperation were signed to support industrial and export-oriented projects.

Economic & business news from Türkiye

Sika acquires Turkish sealants and adhesives manufacturer Akkim Sealants & Adhesives

The Swiss group Sika has announced the acquisition of Akkim Sealants & Adhesives, a leading Turkish player specialized in adhesive and sealing solutions for the construction sector. The objective is clear: strengthen its global leadership and accelerate growth in high-potential markets.

Why is this acquisition strategic?

Akkim, a fast-growing family-owned company, generated approximately EUR 235 million in revenue in 2025 and benefits from a strong distribution network covering Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. With production sites in Türkiye and Romania — soon to be reinforced by a new industrial unit in Türkiye — Akkim is emerging as a true regional industrial and export hub.

Christoph Ganz, Regional Manager EMEA at Sika, emphasized that this acquisition marks a major step in strengthening the group’s position in adhesives and sealants.

Sika has been established in Türkiye for more than 30 years, operating through its subsidiary Sika Türkiye. The company runs three industrial production sites (Gebze, Adana, and Trabzon) with an annual production capacity exceeding 269,000 tons and more than 300 dedicated employees. Since 2017, Sika has steadily reinforced its position in the Turkish market through several strategic acquisitions, including ABC Kimya (2017), Parex (2019), and MBCC Group (2023).

This acquisition fully aligns with the group’s development strategy, with a clear focus on strengthening the adhesives & sealants segment and accelerating B2B e-commerce expansion. Completion is expected in Q3 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

Source: Sika press release, February 13, 2026.

Uber Technologies accelerates in Türkiye with the acquisition of Getir

This is undoubtedly one of the most significant deals of the year in Türkiye’s digital ecosystem. Uber Technologies has reached an agreement to acquire the delivery operations of Getir, the former quick commerce champion founded in Istanbul.

Key highlights of the transaction:

• USD 335 million cash acquisition for Getir’s food delivery business
• Acquisition of a 15% stake in its grocery, retail, and water delivery operations for USD 100 million
• Acquisition of the remaining stake envisaged in the coming years, subject to performance conditions
• Integration of Getir’s services into the Trendyol Go application
• Reminder: Uber had already invested USD 700 million in May 2025 in Trendyol Go

This acquisition marks a turning point. Getir, once valued at up to USD 11.8 billion at its peak during the pandemic, had to withdraw from several international markets amid investor pressure and rising interest rates. Its valuation was subsequently significantly revised downward. We are now witnessing a consolidation phase in the quick commerce sector, following a period of hypergrowth.

For Uber, the objective is clear: secure and strengthen its presence in a market of more than 85 million people, driven by a dynamic middle class and a rapidly expanding economy. “With a thriving digital economy and a dynamic consumer base, Uber is committed to investing in Türkiye for the long term,” said Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber.

For Mubadala Investment Company, Getir’s majority shareholder, the transaction fits into a broader strategy of portfolio rationalization and asset optimization.

Beyond the acquisition itself, this deal sends a strong signal to international investors: Türkiye confirms its role as a strategic hub between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia in the technology, mobility, and delivery sectors.

Source: Bloomberg, February 9, 2026.

Rolls-Royce Holdings expands its global MRO network in Türkiye

Rolls-Royce and Turkish Technic have officially launched the construction of a next-generation #MRO center at Istanbul Airport, one of the world’s most strategic aviation hubs. The facility will provide full maintenance services for Trent XWB-84, Trent XWB-97, and Trent 7000 engines (powering the Airbus A350 and A330neo aircraft).

Why is this project key?

• Integration into Rolls-Royce’s global MRO network
• Strengthening Turkish Technic’s leadership in large civil aircraft engines
• Direct response to the global growth in long-haul air traffic
• Planned entry into service: end of 2027

Designed to reach a capacity of up to 200 shop visits per year, this future MRO center is set to become one of the largest in the region. It will play a crucial role in supporting Rolls-Royce TotalCare customers, while enhancing the operational performance and fleet expansion of Turkish Airlines.

Following the historic order of 160 Trent XWB engines by Turkish Airlines at the end of 2023, this hub forms part of a long-term strategy to position Istanbul as a global nerve center for aeronautical MRO activities.

Source: AviTrader, January 6, 2026.

Arvato launches its 11th operational site in Türkiye

As part of its expansion strategy in the Turkish market, Arvato has announced a new #greenfield investment in Türkiye. A 40,000 m² operational center, scheduled to become operational in October 2026, will significantly strengthen the group’s logistics capacities.

This future site — Arvato’s 11th operational center in Türkiye — is designed according to European “Type A Big Box” standards. It will offer:

• high value-added storage capacity,
• advanced security infrastructure,
• specialized and temperature-controlled storage areas,
• optimized management of e-commerce and retail flows (receiving, sorting, value-added services (VAS), inventory management, and shipping).

A sustainable and people-centered logistics hub

The site will integrate cutting-edge sustainable solutions, including rooftop solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and high energy-efficiency lighting and air-conditioning. Through this investment, Arvato confirms its ambition to:

• support Türkiye’s rise as a regional logistics hub,
• accompany the growth of e-commerce and retail brands,
• develop high value-added logistics services over the long term.

A division of the German group Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA, Arvato is an international services company specialized in business solutions, particularly in logistics, supply chain, technology, and customer relationship management.

Source: Arvato press release, December 8, 2025.

Spotify announces the upcoming opening of an office in Istanbul

Spotify has just announced a major strategic step: the opening of an office in Istanbul by June 2026, confirming Türkiye as a priority market for the group.

Rather than serving as a simple commercial representation, this office will become a fully operational local hub, with the recruitment of Turkish experts, the strengthening of local teams, and direct collaboration with regional top management. As emphasized by Akshat Harbola, Spotify’s General Manager for the Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan, and Türkiye, this move represents a structural and long-term commitment to Türkiye’s music ecosystem.

Türkiye: a driver of cultural and digital growth

• In 2025, 52 million users outside Türkiye listened to at least one Turkish-language track.
• Between 2020 and 2025, international streams of Turkish music surged by +160%.
• Turkish music is now establishing itself as a globally exportable content category, driven by streaming and global platforms.

Spotify will further strengthen its local initiatives with:

• Spotify Masterclasses in Istanbul: streaming economics, editorial playlists, and platform tools
• EQUAL Türkiye: highlighting female artists
• RADAR Türkiye: supporting emerging talents
• ICON: passing on the legacy of iconic Turkish artists to younger generations (under 25)

Beyond streaming, Spotify is positioning itself as a structuring force within Türkiye’s music industry, at the crossroads of culture, digital transformation, and exports.

Source: Hürriyet Daily News, January 31, 2026.

Pulsar International takes a majority stake in Navee Technology

U.S.-based Pulsar International has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Navee Technology, an Istanbul-based reference player in maritime connectivity, IT management, and digital solutions for commercial shipping. This strategic transaction gives rise to Pulsar Türkiye.

Why does it matter?

• Strengthened access to the Turkish maritime market
• Deployment of integrated maritime solutions: satellite connectivity, Starlink Maritime, IT management, bridge & navigation systems, fleet management software
• Expanded geographical coverage: Türkiye, Eastern Mediterranean, Black Sea
• Strategic anchoring in Istanbul, a key maritime hub between Europe and Asia

Pulsar International is a leading global provider of satellite communications and managed connectivity solutions, delivering voice, data, and IoT services to the commercial maritime, enterprise, agritech, and public sectors.

Volkan Kalin will remain at the helm of operations as Managing Director of Pulsar Türkiye, ensuring operational continuity, field expertise, and long-term relationships with maritime stakeholders. “When values, technical excellence, and customer focus are aligned, partnerships become powerful growth accelerators,” emphasized Robert Sakker, CEO of Pulsar International.

This alliance combines strong local expertise with global capabilities, serving shipowners, shipyards, offshore operators, and cruise companies.

Source: PRWeb, January 19, 2026.

The Turkish video game market surpasses USD 1 billion

Türkiye reaches a strategic milestone: its gaming industry hits USD 1.01 billion in 2025, with annual growth of +25% (+51.46% in TRY terms). This momentum confirms the country’s positioning as a regional video game hub between Europe, MENA, and Central Asia.

Key figures

• 77 million internet users
• 90.9% internet penetration rate (ages 16–74)
• Nearly 50 million active gamers
• 46% female players / 54% male players

A massive, highly digitalized market that is still structuring itself. The rapid expansion of fiber and broadband infrastructure is significantly enhancing user experience and supporting the sector’s acceleration.

At the same time, Türkiye confirms its position as a mobile-first ecosystem, aligned with local consumer habits. Investments — more selective and strategic — remain active, while production hubs are emerging across several major cities in the country. Gaming in Türkiye is thus evolving toward an integrated model combining infrastructure, services, and community.

For publishers, studios, investors, and esports stakeholders, the Turkish market is entering a consolidation phase offering strong long-term growth potential.

Source: Türkiye Today, February 18, 2026.

Scopely acquires Turkish studio Loom Games

Istanbul-based studio Loom Games has been acquired (majority stake) by US-Saudi company Scopely in a deal valuing the company at over USD 1 billion. As a result, Loom Games reaches unicorn status.

Founded in 2025 in Istanbul by Kubra Gundogan and Emre Celik, Loom Games has already attracted more than 10 million players worldwide with a single released title, Pixel Flow. The game became the only casual title in the past 12 months to enter the monthly Top 20 highest-grossing games in the United States.

With a team of around 20 developers, the studio currently manages millions of daily active users. The acquisition is structured as a multi-year, performance-based transaction.

Why is this strategic?

• Confirmation of the global potential of gaming in Türkiye
• Increased attractiveness for international investors
• Proven ability of Turkish studios to scale rapidly with ultra-lean teams

Türkiye’s rise in mobile gaming, casual gaming, and high-growth studios is clearly accelerating.

Source: Yeni Safak, February 20, 2026.

Castles Technology accelerates its growth in Türkiye

Taiwan-based Castles Technology continues its international expansion with the acquisition of MT Bilgi Teknolojileri, a recognized player in the Turkish payments market. This transaction marks a new step in the group’s transformation toward a more service-oriented model, while strengthening its local footprint in high-potential markets such as Türkiye.

Türkiye stands out as a key market:

• a young population,
• rapid digital adoption,
• and accelerated growth in cashless payments.

As highlighted by Jean-Philippe Niedergang, Acting Group CEO & CEO EMEA, Pacific & LATAM: “This acquisition reflects our ambition to become a long-term services partner, combining our global scale with strong local expertise.”

The acquisition will notably:

• strengthen local execution and customer proximity,
• accelerate the deployment of reliable and secure payment solutions,
• open new growth opportunities and talent development prospects.

Following the opening of its direct office in Türkiye in 2024, Castles Technology confirms its intention to build a strong and sustainable presence in the country. This vision is also supported by Onur Altinbas, Senior Vice President Middle East, Africa & Türkiye: “Türkiye is a strategic market for Castles Technology. Our commitment to the country is clearly long term.”

On the MT side, the transaction marks the beginning of a new chapter. Nusret Sancak, President of the Technology Group at MT Holding, summarized the spirit of the partnership: “We share a common vision based on innovation, customer focus, and service excellence.”

With this acquisition, Castles Technology continues to pursue a clear strategy: think global, act local — serving clients and partners across the EMEA region and beyond.

Source: Castles Technology press release, February 3, 2026.