China's efforts to offset market losses in the United States are redirecting significant trade volumes toward alternative regions, including the Middle East, according to a report by the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye (DEIK). The report examined shifts in trade flows following additional U.S. tariffs introduced in 2025.
According to DEIK data, the share of China's total exports destined for the United States fell to 11.14% in 2025 from 14.68% in 2024. In response, China accelerated outbound export diversification, recording a 25.9% export growth to Africa, a 9.7% increase to the Middle East, and an 8.63% rise to the European Union across 2024–2025. The United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, and Germany emerged as particularly significant destination markets.
Speaking at a press gathering in Istanbul, DEIK Chair Nail Olpak said protectionist measures between the world's two largest economies are restructuring global commerce rather than reducing overall trade volumes. Olpak noted that when market access tightens, trade redirects into new corridors across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The DEIK analysis noted that China's targeted replacement markets overlap substantially with primary export destinations for Turkish manufacturers, intensifying competitive pressure across key hubs such as the UAE and the broader Middle East.
Sources
- Daily Sabah · 2026-09-29
