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 2025
Below are the hottest products to export from Turkey, with large growth potential:
- Knitwear and Fashion Apparel
- Jewelry
- Turkish Carpets
- Turkish Furniture
- Turkish Ceramics
- 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:
- Preferential Trading with Turkey
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Importing Clothes From Turkey
- Catering and Hospitality
- Leather Goods
Turkey’s Exports Rose to $255.8 billion in 2024
Turkey’s exports rose to $255.8 billion last year, the country’s highest level ever. Right now is the time to take advantage of this breakout in business confidence coming from Turkey. Turkey is hot! Compliance with rules of origin and tariff implications for goods that are traded is crucial for maximizing the benefits of these exports.
Germany, USA, Iraq, UK and Italy were Turkey’s top 5 export partners. Countries that saw the biggest increase in exports are Russia, Iraq, USA, Germany, and Romania, in descending order. Goods transiting through the EU face different restrictions compared to those from third countries, which may be subject to different duty rates and specific documentation requirements.
16 sectors hit records, 23 sectors’ exports exceeded $1 billion. 21,501 exporters were added to the country’s total, whose exports reached at $3.7 billion in total.
If you’re looking for some ideas to import from Turkey and sell here’s our 6 hottest ideas for 2023:
Import Knitwear and Fashion Apparel from Turkey
Türkiye is a major player in the global apparel industry and continues to perform well in terms of exports and quality production. In the first 10 months of 2024, Türkiye exported $14.751 billion worth of apparel and proved itself to be a reliable sourcing destination for international buyers.
In this sector, knitted and crocheted clothing and accessories accounted for $8.469 billion of exports, Türkiye’s strength in fashion and textile production. With established infrastructure and skilled workforce, Türkiye offers advantages to importers looking for stylish and well made products.
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 continued to shine in 2024 and continues to build on previous years. After exceeding $10 billion in exports in 2022 (from $6.7 billion in 2021) the industry is on track to set a new record in 2025. This continuous growth is proof of Türkiye’s reputation for craftsmanship, design and competitive pricing in global jewellery markets.
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 has been leading the world in carpet and textile floor covering exports for many years. In 2024 it exported $2.82 billion worth of carpets according to UN COMTRADE database. With its rich heritage, innovation and production capacity Türkiye is a world leader in carpet sector.
With a target of $5 billion in annual exports Türkiye is scaling up its industry to meet the growing international demand. Turkish carpets are an exciting and profitable product line for importers to explore.
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 exported $1.31 billion worth of ceramic products in 2023, up from $1.2 billion in 2021 according to UN COMTRADE database, so it’s easy to see that the upwards trend is continuing for Türkiye’s ceramic sector which is one of the oldest and most dynamic in the world.
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 exports continue to be on the rise, reaching a record high of $8.44 billion in 2022. With growth expected to continue until 2028, Turkey is becoming the go to place for quality, affordable and stylish furniture.
According to Turkish Exporters Council data, the sector saw a 20.8% increase in exports in 2022 compared to 2021. This is a clear statistical indication of the industry’s performance and growing demand from abroad.
Top importers of Turkish furniture are Iraq ($1.04 billion), Israel ($483.6 million) and the UK ($450.8 million). They are all attracted by Turkey’s fast production, modern designs and competitive prices.
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.