What India Imports from Turkey – And Why Marble and Apple Traders Want to Cut Ties

India and Turkey share a multi-faceted trade relationship, with annual bilateral commerce spanning several sectors. In the period from April to February 2024–25, India imported goods worth $2.84 billion from Turkey, compared to $3.78 billion in 2023–24. These imports form around 0.5% of India’s total import basket, which was valued at $720 billion.

What Does India Import from Turkey?

Turkey is an important trading partner for India in sectors such as energy, construction, chemicals, and agriculture. The primary items imported from Turkey in April-October 2024 include:

• Mineral fuels and oils – $600.96 million
   
• Natural and precious pearls – $237.56 million
   
• Nuclear reactors and parts – $181.92 million
   
• Aircraft and spacecraft parts – $163.16 million
   
• Salt, sulphur, and plastering materials – $145.11 million
   
• Inorganic chemicals – $109.34 million
   
• Iron and steel
   
• Cement
   
• Marble and natural stones
   
• Vegetables and fruits, particularly fresh apples

What Does India Export to Turkey?

The primary items exported to Turkey in April-October 2024 include:

• Engineering Goods: $1,909.97 million
   
• Organic and Inorganic Chemicals: $283.75 million
   
• Electronic Goods: $221.92 million
   
• Man-Made Yarn: $164.39 million
   
• Cotton yarn/fabrics: $44.15 million
   
• Others: $168.05 million

Why Marble Traders Are Taking a Stand

India, especially regions like Udaipur Asia’s largest marble hub relies heavily on imports of raw marble for processing. Turkish marble is prized for its texture, durability, and finish, making it a preferred choice in luxury construction and interior design projects.

However, the Udaipur Marble Processors Association recently called for a complete halt on marble imports from Turkey. This move comes in protest against Turkey’s political positioning on India–Pakistan issues and its perceived support for Pakistan during recent tensions. The association has even appealed to the Indian government to impose formal sanctions on Turkish marble, citing national sentiment and economic self-reliance.

Read More: India’s Operation Sindoor Shakes Pakistan’s Stock Market (KSE). 

Why Apple Traders Are Joining the Boycott

Though apples account for a relatively smaller share of trade (worth around $10 million annually), their visibility in retail markets has made them a focal point of protest. In response to Turkey’s comments labelling India’s airstrikes as “provocative” and siding with Pakistan, fruit traders across several Indian states have begun boycotting Turkish apples.

Conclusion 

For many of these traders, the protest is symbolic a way to express discontent with Turkey’s perceived interference in Indian affairs. The boycott of apples is less about volume and more about visibility and sentiment.

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