Türkiye has projected a US$105 billion foreign trade deficit for 2027 under its 2027 Presidential Annual Programme, which outlines the government's economic targets for growth, inflation, employment and external trade.

The programme, prepared by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance and the Presidency of Strategy and Budget, was approved by presidential decree and published in an extraordinary issue of the Official Gazette.

According to the programme, Türkiye's economy is expected to have grown by 3.3 per cent in 2026, while growth is projected to accelerate to 4.2 per cent in 2027.

Annual inflation is forecast to stand at 28.4 per cent by the end of this year, with the government targeting a decline to 21 per cent by the end of 2027.

The programme also projects an increase of 657,000 jobs next year. The unemployment rate is expected to be 8.1 per cent at the end of 2026 before easing to 8 per cent in 2027.

Türkiye's exports are forecast to reach US$282 billion by the end of 2026 and increase to US$292 billion in 2027.

Imports are projected to rise from US$387 billion this year to US$397 billion next year, resulting in a US$105 billion foreign trade deficit.

The programme estimates the current account deficit will reach US$38.5 billion in 2027, equivalent to 1.9 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).

The government said the programme is designed to support sustainable economic growth, strengthen macroeconomic stability, reduce inflation and improve external balances while maintaining employment and investment.(ILKHA)