Turkey's exports exceed $157 billion in 2017

- Exports and imports in 2017 rise 10.2 percent and 17.9 percent, respectively: Turkish Economy Minister Zeybekci

Turkey's exports saw its second-highest export volume in the republic's history with $157.1 billion in 2017, according to Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci Wednesday.

Speaking at a news conference in capital Ankara, Zeybekci said exports surged 10.2 percent during this period.

He also said Turkey's imports rose by 17.9 percent to reach $234.2 billion in 2017.

The rate of exports meeting imports decreased by 4.7 percentage points to 67.1 in 2017, compared with 2016.

The minister said: 'Our export target for 2018 is $169 billion but we want to climb over $170 billion.'

In December, the country's exports also rose 10.1 percent to $13.6 billion, Turkish Exporters Assembly said.

Turkey's total exports in November was $14.2 billion, according to Turkish Statistical Institute.

By Gokhan Ergocun

Anadolu Agency

energy@aa.com.tr