What are the economic developments in Turkey in the first month of 2025? The economic agenda by date

According to the MTM Media Monitoring Center's economic report for January, topics such as inflation, price hikes, exports, employment, and economic support were the main agenda items of economic discussions in the first month of 2025. Developments throughout the month shaped both the local and international economic agenda.

According to the information in the report, in the first days of January, the SCT (Special Consumption Tax) increase on fuel was capped at 6 percent. On the same day, Turkey's gross external debt stock rose to 525.8 billion dollars, and the IMEI registration fee increased to 45.6 thousand TL. The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) announced Istanbul's annual inflation rate as 55.3 percent. Turkey's Euro trade approached 1 trillion dollars.

In the middle of January, the lowest pension was raised to 14,469 TL. A 98-kuruş hike was applied to diesel prices, and EFT fees were increased at the rate of inflation. It was announced that the Cyber Security Presidency was established and that the KKM (FX-Protected Deposit) stock had fallen for 72 consecutive weeks. The Central Bank imposed 160 million TL in fines on 55 companies.

In the final days of January, the gold quota was increased and pension payments began. An operation was conducted against e-cigarette smuggling. Restrictions were imposed on 6 and 12-month maturities in KKM. TURKSTAT announced that housing sales were approaching 1.5 million. Turkey climbed three spots in world furniture exports to become 7th.

JANUARY ECONOMIC AGENDA

In the final days of the month, 233 thousand illegal betting sites were blocked. It was announced that the female employment rate rose to 34.4 percent. The 2025 e-export target was set at 8 billion dollars. The Asian Development Bank decided to start operations in Turkey. Central Bank reserves approached 168 billion dollars. A new era began in electricity tariffs.

Exports from Turkey to Syria increased by 35 percent. The number of cards with the TROY logo reached 50 million. An “Investment Cooperation Agreement” was signed between Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan. The Ministry of Industry and Technology announced a 2 billion dollar investment package. Central Bank reserves rose to 167.5 billion dollars. Turkish contracting firms undertook 28.6 billion dollars worth of projects abroad. 56 new drugs were added to the reimbursement list.

MTM Media Monitoring Center listed the most discussed economic topics day by day as follows:

JANUARY 1: The SCT increase on fuel was capped at 6%. Turkey's gross external debt stock rose to 525.8 billion dollars, and the IMEI registration fee increased to 45.6 thousand TL.

JANUARY 2: ITO announced that Istanbul's annual inflation was 55.3%. Turkey's Euro trade approached 1 trillion dollars.

JANUARY 3: The rate of bounced checks reached a 5-year high. KKM support ended. 23.7 million TL in fines were imposed on those taking advantage of the minimum wage.

JANUARY 4: The salary increase rates for civil servants and retirees were announced. The 2024 inflation was determined as 44.38%, and the rent increase rate as 58.51%.

JANUARY 5: A growth limit was regulated for commercial loans. A record 7.1 billion dollars in exports were achieved in the defense industry. A 1.27 TL hike was reflected in gasoline prices.

JANUARY 6: 120 billion TL was accrued in tax audits.

JANUARY 7: The salary increase rate for civil servants and civil servant retirees was announced as 11.54%. A 1.24 TL hike was applied to gasoline prices.

JANUARY 8: The lowest pension was raised to 14,469 TL. A 98-kuruş hike was applied to diesel prices, and EFT fees were increased at the rate of inflation.

JANUARY 9: The Cyber Security Presidency was established. It was announced that the KKM stock had fallen for 72 consecutive weeks. The Central Bank imposed 160 million TL in fines on 55 companies.

JANUARY 10: The force majeure status for SMEs affected by the earthquake was extended until May 31.

JANUARY 11: Industrial production increased by 2.9% on a monthly basis. A 31-point decline was recorded in inflation. TURKSTAT announced the unemployment rate as 8.6%.

JANUARY 12: Foreign investors purchased 42.1 million dollars worth of stocks. TESK requested interest-free loans for tradesmen.

JANUARY 13: It was announced that domestic natural gas would be used in 20 million households by 2028. 150 billion liras were allocated to the employment promotion program. Non-performing loans increased by 159% to 116.5 billion TL.

JANUARY 14: It was announced that the minimum wage could be increased in July if necessary. A new regulation was made for high-speed train (YHT) ticket prices.

JANUARY 15: The gold quota was increased. Pension payments began.

JANUARY 20: An operation was conducted against e-cigarette smuggling.

JANUARY 21: Restrictions were imposed on 6 and 12-month maturities in KKM.

JANUARY 22: TURKSTAT announced that housing sales were approaching 1.5 million. Turkey climbed three spots in world furniture exports to become 7th.

JANUARY 23: A food sector meeting was held at the Ministry of Trade before Ramadan. Total card spending reached 14.8 trillion TL. Gold prices hit a record high.

JANUARY 24: The Central Bank lowered the policy rate to 45%. Regulations were introduced for crypto asset exchanges. A support package for working mothers was announced.

JANUARY 25: 350 billion TL in resources were transferred to the Konya Plain Project (KOP). Pension salary difference payments began. It was announced that the number of bank branches in Turkey had fallen to 9,329.

JANUARY 26: A statement was made by TESK that tradesmen should not be held responsible for inflation. The first Economic Coordination Board meeting of 2025 was held. Moody's kept Turkey's credit rating stable.

JANUARY 27: 233 thousand illegal betting sites were blocked. It was announced that the female employment rate rose to 34.4%. The 2025 e-export target was set at 8 billion dollars.

JANUARY 28: The Asian Development Bank decided to start operations in Turkey. Central Bank reserves approached 168 billion dollars. A new era began in electricity tariffs.

JANUARY 29: Exports from Turkey to Syria increased by 35%. The number of cards with the TROY logo reached 50 million.

JANUARY 30: An “Investment Cooperation Agreement” was signed between Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan. The Ministry of Industry and Technology announced a 2 billion dollar investment package.

JANUARY 31: Central Bank reserves rose to 167.5 billion dollars. Turkish contracting firms undertook 28.6 billion dollars worth of projects abroad. 56 new drugs were added to the reimbursement list.