Turkey
Source from Turkey's textile, steel and food exporters.
Turkey is a major export powerhouse and a key bridge between European, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian markets. It ranks among the top five global exporters of textiles, apparel, steel, chemicals, and construction materials, and its young, skilled industrial workforce keeps unit costs highly competitive.
Top trading sectors in Turkey
Sourcing advantages in Turkey
- Competitive production costs with a skilled and trainable manufacturing workforce
- Strategic location bridging Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia
- Broad free-trade agreement network including the EU Customs Union for industrial goods
Trade & compliance notes
Turkey participates in the EU Customs Union for industrial goods (excluding agriculture and services); buyers should check third-country origin duties; Istanbul is the primary trade finance centre.
Frequently asked questions
What should EU buyers know about the Turkey Customs Union?
Industrial goods of Turkish origin move into the EU free of customs duty under the Customs Union, accompanied by an A.TR movement certificate rather than a EUR.1. Agricultural products and services sit outside the arrangement and follow separate tariff rules.
Which regions of Turkey host the main manufacturing clusters?
Textiles and apparel concentrate in Istanbul, Bursa, and Denizli, steel and iron in İskenderun and Karabük, ceramics and home goods in Kütahya and Eskişehir, and automotive around Bursa and Kocaeli. Gaziantep is a major carpet and food-processing hub.
What certifications do Turkish exporters typically hold?
Manufacturers apply CE marking for the EU market, textile mills often hold OEKO-TEX certification, and food exporters carry BRCGS or IFS along with halal certification for regional trade. ISO 9001 is widespread across industrial suppliers.