Türkiye İMSAD Published the Construction Sector Report 2023

The Construction Sector Report 2023, which contains the most up-to-date and fundamental information on the sector from production to employment, exports to imports and sheds light on all its activities over the past year, has been published as an important reference source.

İMSAD, which has carried out many important activities for the development of the construction industry since its establishment, operates with 90 large companies, 59 associations, five universities and one trade union that make up the construction materials industry. The seventh edition of the report, which has been prepared annually since 2018, was published in 2024. The “Türkiye İMSAD Construction Sector Report 2023” includes important data containing the most current and fundamental information on our country, the world economy, the construction sector and the construction materials industry.

The report consists of five main sections. The world economy and construction sector, along with the Turkish economy and construction sector, form the first two sections. In the third section, a general assessment is made for the construction materials industry in the world and Türkiye. The fourth section includes projections for the following year. In this section, the possible effects of tight monetary policies implemented domestically and abroad in 2024 are particularly evaluated. In the last section, detailed information and data are presented for 36 sub-industries/products in the construction materials industry. The 2023 report is mainly characterized by the impact of global geopolitical fractures and stagnant economic conditions, as well as domestic factors like earthquakes, elections and the disinflation process.

The Construction Sector Grew by 7.8% in 2023

The construction sector grew by 7.8% in 2023. Thus, the sector achieved growth again for the first time after contracting for five consecutive years. Three key factors contributed to the growth of the construction sector in 2023. Firstly, demolition, excavation, reinforcement and reconstruction works in the earthquake zone contributed to growth. Secondly, reinforcement and demolition-construction activities increased in other earthquake-prone areas following the earthquake disaster. Thirdly, the demolition and construction of individual buildings within the framework of the urban transformation process have gained momentum. Public infrastructure investments also continued, leading to overall growth in the construction sector in 2023.

Lifts, Escalators and Airbridges

In the scope of lifts, escalators and airbridges, which are considered as construction materials, there are electric and non-electric lifts, skip hoists, escalators and moving walkways, as well as passenger boarding bridges used in airports. In Türkiye’s lift, escalator and airbridges industry, there are 91 companies producing lifts and three companies producing escalators. Production data is calculated and shared in units. According to TurkStat data, lift production increased in 2023, with 87,709 lifts and 520 escalators being produced.

Türkiye’s foreign trade in lifts, escalators and airbridges is evaluated collectively. Accordingly, while the export of lifts, escalators and airbridges decreased in quantity in 2023, it increased in value. Exports of 54,061 t worth 208 million were realized. Exports increased by 4.4% in value. The export unit price also rose to US$3.84 per kilogram.

Türkiye’s import of lifts, escalators and airbridges decreased by 12.4% in 2023, falling to US$87.5 million. Exports also declined by 21.0% in volume, dropping to 19,232 t. The unit price of imports, which was US$4.10 per kilogram in 2022, rose to US$4.55 per kilogram in 2023. The significant drop in the imports of lifts, escalators and passenger boarding bridges was mainly due to the reduction in the number of investments in shopping centers, airports and high-rise buildings.

Our Export Markets and Import Countries

Türkiye exports the majority of its lifts, escalators and airbridges to neighboring and nearby country markets. In 2023, Russia was the country to which the most exports were made. Exports to Russia increased by 26.7%, rising to US$62.5 million. Exports to Algeria, which ranked second, remained at the same level. Following these two countries, the countries with the most exports are Ukraine, Israel, Iraq, Georgia, Uzbekistan, the U.A.E., Kosovo and Tunisia. The share of the top 10 countries with the most exports in total exports was 67.7% in 2023.

Türkiye imports lifts, escalators and airbridges mostly from China. Sixty-two percent of total imports are made from China. Imports from China declined in 2023, as they also did in 2022. After China, the most imports were made from Slovakia at US$11.5 million. Other import countries are Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, South Korea, the U.S., Finland and Sweden. Imports realized from the top 10 importing countries account for 98.1% of total imports.

Our Share and Ranking in Global Trade

The global export value of lifts, escalators and airbridges was US$8.45 billion in 2023. Global exports have increased for three consecutive years since 2020. Mega projects in developing countries are driving the increase in global exports. Türkiye is also increasing its exports and its share of global lift, escalator and airbridge exports. In 2023, Türkiye’s exports increased again, but its share in global exports decreased to 2.46%.

China ranks first in the global export of lifts, escalators and airbridges. China accounts for 28% of global exports with an export volume of US$2.34 billion. In 2023, France replaced Thailand to join the top 10 exporters list. All countries, except Sweden, saw an increase in exports. Türkiye maintained its ninth position in 2023.

The U.K. maintained its leading position in 2023, just as in 2022, as the top global importer of lifts, escalators and airbridges. The U.K.’s imports decreased by 5% compared to the previous year, falling to US$367.5 million. France was the second-largest importer in 2023, with imports rising by 46% to US$358.7 million. The imports of the U.S., which ranked third, dropped by 3% to US$323.9 million. Other countries in the top 10 importers included Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, Russia, Australia, Switzerland and Israel. Despite sanctions and restrictions, Russia remained among the top 10. Türkiye ranked 17th in 2023.