Freight Forwarding in
Turkey
The bridge between Europe and Asia. We manage imports through Istanbul with full Turkish customs and Middle East/Central Asia distribution.
Trade & Logistics in Turkey
Turkey is a major trade bridge between Europe, Asia, Middle East, and Africa. The country imports machinery, vehicles, chemicals, electronics, and fuel; exports textiles, vehicles, chemicals, and food products. Turkish customs is complex but improving (1–3 days typical). Ports of Istanbul and Izmir dominate. Istanbul Atatürk Airport is major hub. Turkey's strategic location makes it ideal for goods destined to Balkans, Middle East, Caucasus, and Central Asia. Currency volatility impacts import costs. We maintain Turkish customs broker relationships.
Key Exports
Key Imports
Key Trade Statistics
$253B (2023)
Annual Imports
$227B (2023)
Annual Exports
Top Trade Partners
Russia ($25B+/year — reduced post-2022)
Major Ports & Airports
Port of Istanbul
TRIST
Turkey's largest port (4+ million TEU/year). Bosphorus gateway. 2–3 day clearance.
Port of Izmir
TRIZM
Aegean gateway (2+ million TEU/year). Less congested than Istanbul. 1–2 day clearance.
Port of Mersin
TRMRSIN
Mediterranean gateway (1.5+ million TEU/year). Middle East gateway. 2–3 day clearance.
Istanbul Atatürk Airport
TRIST
Istanbul's main cargo hub (900,000+ metric tons/year). Europe-Asia hub.
Ankara Esenboğa Airport
TRANK
Ankara's airport. Central Turkey gateway.
Customs Requirements for Turkey
Turkey's customs (Gümrük Müdürlüğü) is improving but slower than EU. Istanbul: 2–3 days standard (sometimes 5–7 if inspection required). Izmir: 1–2 days. VAT 18% standard (reduced rates). Import licenses required for restricted goods. Currency volatility affects duty calculations. Corruption concerns exist (facilitation payments reported). Documentation complex; translation to Turkish often required. We maintain Turkish customs broker licenses and navigate bureaucratic challenges.
Services Available for Turkey
Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping to Turkey
What documents are needed to ship to Turkey?
Required documents include a Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, and Conformity Assessment certificate. TSE certification is required for many products.
How long does ocean freight take to Turkey?
Ocean freight from the US East Coast to Istanbul takes 14-20 days. Air freight to Istanbul (IST) takes 2-3 business days.
What are Turkey's main ports?
Istanbul (Ambarli) is the busiest port. Mersin handles Mediterranean trade. Istanbul Airport is a major global cargo hub.
What customs duties apply in Turkey?
Duties range from 0-50%. An 18% KDV (VAT) applies. Turkey has a Customs Union with the EU for industrial goods.
Does Suaid Global handle TSE certification?
Yes, Suaid Global assists with TSE certification requirements including product testing and registration for regulated product categories.
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