Understanding Turkey’s Exports and Trade Agreements

Turkey is a big player in the global market with many exports to many industries. Being situated between Europe and Asia makes it a significant trade hub and one that should always be considered when sourcing goods. Turkey’s exports have grown very fast in the last few years and to countries like Germany, USA, Iraq, UK and Italy.

Turkey’s trade agreements play a big role in promoting its exports. EU-Turkey Customs Union which was implemented in 1995 has been very effective in increasing Turkey’s exports to EU. The customs union allows the free movement of goods between Turkey and EU making the EU a target for Turkish exporters. Turkey has also signed trade agreements with other countries like UK which provides preferential tariffs and other benefits to Turkish exporters.

Turkey exports many things from textiles and clothing to machinery and electrical equipment. Turkey is also a big producer of agricultural products like fruits, vegetables and grains. Turkish furniture and ceramics are also in high demand globally and many countries import from Turkey.

Hottest Products to Import From Turkey for 2026

Below are the hottest products to export from Turkey, with large growth potential:

1. Knitwear and Fashion Apparel
2. Jewelry
3. Turkish Carpets
4. Turkish Furniture
5. Turkish Ceramics
6. Turkish Suits

It’s important to note that certain product groups, like vehicles and electrical equipment, require specific regulatory approvals and maintenance requirements, which are crucial for compliance and logistical planning.

When considering what countries to import products from, imports from Turkey should be definitely considered.

What I’ve Personally Imported From Turkey

In the following video Alan Bracken talks about the advantages of importing from Turkey. He touches on his personal experiences doing business in Turkey as well as some of the best items to import that Turkey has to offer:

1. Preferential Trading with Turkey
2. Fruits and Vegetables
3. Importing Clothes From Turkey
4. Catering and Hospitality
5. Leather Goods

Turkey’s Exports Set to Continue Rising

Turkey’s export momentum continued strongly into 2025, building on the record US $255.8 billion achieved in 2024. Rising business confidence, competitive manufacturing, and a diversified industrial base have positioned Turkey as one of the most dynamic export hubs connecting Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Export growth has been broad-based, with multiple sectors reaching record levels and dozens surpassing the US $1 billion mark in annual exports.

Germany, the United States, Iraq, the United Kingdom, and Italy remain Turkey’s top export destinations, while exports to Russia, Iraq, the U.S., Germany, and Romania recorded the fastest growth. Turkey’s automotive, chemicals, electronics, machinery, and agri-food sectors continue to drive international demand, supported by strong logistics infrastructure and proximity to major markets.

With more than 21,000 new exporters entering global markets and billions added in incremental export value, Turkey’s trade outlook remains highly positive. As export volumes rise, careful compliance with rules of origin, tariff structures, and EU transit requirements is increasingly important to fully capture the benefits of Turkey’s expanding global trade footprint.

If you’re looking for some ideas to import from Turkey and sell here’s our 6 hottest ideas for 2026:

Import Knitwear and Fashion Apparel from Turkey

Türkiye remains a key global apparel sourcing hub in 2025, supported by strong manufacturing capabilities, speed to market, and consistent quality. Building on 2024 performance, apparel exports are estimated at approximately US $17–18 billion for full-year 2025, reflecting modest recovery and stabilisation in global fashion demand, particularly from Europe and the UK. Türkiye continues to be valued by international buyers for reliability, flexibility, and compliance with EU standards.

Within the sector, knitted and crocheted apparel remains the dominant category, accounting for an estimated US $9.5–10 billion of exports in 2025. Backed by an experienced workforce, vertically integrated supply chains, and competitive lead times, Türkiye maintains a strong position for importers seeking well-designed, high-quality apparel with dependable delivery.

Importers also benefit from Türkiye’s compliance to regulations. Manufacturers in Türkiye are well versed in preparing the necessary export documents such as certificates of origin and declarations of conformity so customs clearance is smooth and international standards are met. So, Türkiye is a good and reliable option for businesses in fashion and apparel industry to expand their supply chain.

Import Jewelry From Turkey

Türkiye’s jewellery sector continues its strong upward trajectory in 2026, building on the solid gains of recent years. After surpassing US $10 billion in exports in 2022, jewellery exports are expected to be US $12–13 billion in 2025, supported by rising demand from the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. The sector has shown resilience despite global market volatility, benefiting from diversified export destinations and a broad product range.

This sustained growth reinforces Türkiye’s global reputation for high-quality craftsmanship, innovative design, and competitive pricing. With a well-established manufacturing base and strong precious metals and gemstone supply chains, Türkiye remains an attractive sourcing destination for jewellery buyers seeking both scale and design-led production.

For exporters to the EU and other regulated markets, it’s still important to source materials that comply with rules of origin. Using EU origin components ensures that your jewellery products meet regulatory standards, benefit from preferential trade agreements and have smoother customs clearance – so Turkish jewellery is not only beautiful but export ready.

Import Carpets from Turkey

Türkiye continues to dominate the global carpet and textile floor coverings market in 2025, building on exports of US $2.82 billion in 2024. For 2025, carpet exports are estimated at approximately US $3.0–3.2 billion, supported by strong demand from the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. Türkiye’s leadership is underpinned by its unique blend of centuries-old craftsmanship, modern design innovation, and large-scale, efficient production capacity.

With a clear long-term ambition to reach US $5 billion in annual carpet exports, Türkiye is actively investing in technology, sustainability, and higher-value product lines. This positions Turkish carpets as a compelling and profitable category for importers seeking distinctive, high-quality floor coverings from a proven global leader.

Thanks to the favorable trade agreements non-originating materials used in production can be sufficiently transformed to qualify for preferential origin status. This means Turkish carpet exports can benefit from reduced tariffs and easier access to main global markets – a big advantage for importers to maximize margins and simplify logistics.

Import Ceramics From Turkey

Türkiye’s ceramic sector continues its steady upward trajectory into 2026, building on exports of US $1.31 billion in 2023. Ceramic exports are estimated at approximately US $1.45–1.55 billion in 2025, supported by strong demand from Europe, the Middle East, and North America. As one of the world’s oldest and most dynamic ceramic industries, Türkiye benefits from advanced production capacity, design-led innovation, and a strong reputation for quality, positioning it well for continued export growth.

Known for tradition and innovation, Türkiye is among the top 10 ceramic tile producers globally. It’s 8th in the world and 3rd in Europe and its ceramic tile industry is one of the most developed in the country.

For importers, Türkiye is a great sourcing opportunity. Not only it offers high quality, design led products but products from Türkiye can benefit from preferential treatment under trade agreements due to substantial transformation and originating status.

Turkish ceramics are in high demand in key markets such as USA, UK and Germany so this is a strategic category for importers who want to add premium, in demand products to their range.

Import Furniture From Turkey

Turkey’s furniture industry remained on a strong growth path in 2025, building on the record US $8.44 billion in exports achieved in 2022. Furniture exports will likely land between US $9.5–10 billion in 2025, driven by sustained international demand for modern, well-priced, and design-focused products. Continued investment in manufacturing capacity and design innovation is reinforcing Turkey’s position as a preferred global furniture sourcing destination.

Key export markets continue to include Iraq, Israel, and the United Kingdom, alongside growing demand from Europe and the Middle East. Buyers are drawn to Turkey’s fast production cycles, flexible order volumes, and competitive pricing, making Turkish furniture an attractive option for importers seeking quality and reliability at scale.

Importers should be aware that some furniture categories may require regulatory approvals and maintenance guidelines to comply with local standards but Turkish manufacturers are well equipped to prepare the necessary documents so the process is smooth.

If you are looking to expand your product range, Turkish furniture is worth exploring in 2024 and beyond.

Import Suits From Turkey

Turkish clothing exports, especially to EU markets, will continue increasing because high Chinese salaries are making China less price-competitive and Turkish apparel has a much better quality image than Chinese apparel. Another factor is the gradual depreciation of the Turkish lira is giving Turkish exporters an advantage on price. The manufacturer is responsible for preparing regulatory documentation, such as the certificate of origin and the declaration of conformity, which are crucial for compliance with import regulations and standards in specific markets.

How To Import From Turkey

4 Steps To Success

If you’re now thinking to get involved in the import export world, I highly recommend it! Below is a personal testimonial of my experience, working 35+ years in import export. I’ve met some many great people, enjoyed my travels around the world and the satisfaction of negotiating deals and moving products around the world has been fantastic. When providing services, especially in countries like Turkey, it is crucial to comply with specific Turkish regulations, obtain necessary authorizations, and ensure adherence to local business regulations.

If the ideas above have inspired you, I recommend you take the next three steps.

If the ideas above have inspired you, I recommend you take the next three steps.

Step 1: Sourcing Your Products

Once you’ve decided on some products, you’ll have to source where to buy them. Finding sellers of your products is also half the fun. If you’re in a position to travel and explore, do it! It’s a great opportunity to expand your horizons. Not so easy in these times of a global pandemic but eventually we’ll be able to travel again.

If you can’t travel, there’s always Google, AliBaba and AliExpress. This can be a great place to start. For more ideas and an much more in-depth look into sourcing products, check out our blog in sourcing products internationally.

Step 2: Finding Buyers

Perhaps the biggest question is inevitably, how do I find buyers for my products?

This is without doubt the most common question that I’m asked. Well, the good news is, there’s more than one way to do this. The bad news is, there’s no “easy” way. It’s all going to take some hard work and perseverance but it can most certainly be done and some good profits are no doubt waiting for you.

For my biggest hints and tips after a lifetime in commercial buying and selling check out our blog post on finding buyers.

Step 3: Understand the Basics

You’re going to need to understand at a minimum, the basics of import and export. Don’t jump in and start buying products, hoping to sell them by crossing your fingers. You’ll lose money, time and cause yourself a lot of stress.

To start, have a read of our blog post, How To Start an Import Export Business. It’s only the bare minimum but it will give you an idea of what you need to start thinking about and you’ll pick up some handy tips that I learned over the year.

Step 4: Import Export Training Courses Online

If you’re still sold on the idea of international trade, I can only advise you to educate yourself. It’s going to save you a lot of pain! Our online import export courses are taught with a series of pre-recorded videos so you can start any time, study at your own pace and there’s no deadline to complete.

Our courses teach you the practical knowledge you’ll need to know to trade successfully, confidently whilst maximising your profits and avoid import export scams. Taught by Alan Bracken, with 35+ years of commercial experience in logistics, he skips all the theory you’ll never need to know but teaches you the practical side of how to move your goods around the world.

Check out our reviews on TrustPilot to see just how our courses have benefited our students.

Importing from Turkey to the EU and USA

Importing products from Turkey to the EU and USA requires compliance with various regulations and documentation requirements. In the EU, Turkey’s membership in the EU Customs Union simplifies the import process, as goods can move freely between Turkey and EU countries. However, importers must still comply with EU regulations and obtain the necessary documentation, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin.

In the USA, importers must comply with US regulations and obtain the necessary documentation, including a commercial invoice, bill of lading or airway bill, and certificate of origin. Additionally, importers may need to obtain control certificates, phytosanitary certificates, and other documents, depending on the type of product being imported.

It is essential for importers to understand the regulations and documentation requirements for importing products from Turkey to the EU and USA. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in delays, fines, and other penalties.