We are in China for the Xiamen Fair…
We are witnessing how the country has changed over the past 10 years. A nation firmly committed to a culture of production develops, becomes wealthier, and impresses the world. For those who have been attending the fair since its early years—those who have witnessed a 20-year transformation—the picture is even clearer.
Those who produce, win…
Those who embrace a production-driven mindset move forward.
Then inevitably, one turns to look at their own country. In Turkey, you see how the conditions for production are becoming more difficult day by day, how profitability is declining, and how the country is gradually becoming poorer—and it is disheartening.
What’s strange is that neither employers nor workers are truly winning. Whoever you listen to, you can’t help but say, “You’re right.”
In fact, the numbers tell the whole story.
For exporters who were once accustomed to paying 1 dollar per liter of diesel fuel just 10 years ago, the situation is now very different.
Today, 1 liter of diesel costs 1.8 dollars.
An 80% additional cost!
Looking at the period between 2018 and 2026, the increase in the dollar exchange rate is around 900%.
The minimum wage has increased by 1,060%…
Diesel, however, has risen by 1,400%!
In 2018, the minimum wage could buy 280 liters of diesel; today, it only covers 218 liters. In other words, we are faced with a cost increase of up to 80% for producers, while minimum wage earners have suffered a 22% loss in purchasing power.
In short and clearly…
The ship is taking on water, and everyone on board is getting wet together!
And one watches, painfully, the growing gap between those who produce and those who cannot.
