Why source from Turkey
Turkey's EU customs union status since 1995 means that industrial goods manufactured in Turkey can enter the Netherlands or Belgium with simplified customs procedures and, for many product categories, zero import duties. This administrative advantage, combined with Turkey's geographic position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, makes it one of the world's most efficient sourcing hubs for European buyers.
The Turkish manufacturing base is large, diverse, and increasingly quality-driven. The textile industry, centred around Istanbul, Bursa, and Izmir, is vertically integrated from fibre to finished garment. The steel and engineering sectors in and around Ankara, Izmir, and Gebze supply European automotive and construction industries.
Key manufacturing sectors
- Textiles and apparel: Turkey produces approximately 4% of global textile exports. Vertically integrated production, short lead times, and strong quality control make it the preferred alternative to Asian sourcing for many European fashion and home textile buyers.
- Metal parts and steel products: Turkey is among the world's top 10 steel producers. Engineering components, structural steel, and fabricated parts supply European automotive, construction, and industrial customers.
- Food and agricultural products: Dried fruits, nuts, olive oil, pulses, and processed foods. Turkey is the world's largest producer of hazelnuts and a major exporter of dried figs, apricots, and raisins to European markets.
Trade framework with the EU
The EU-Turkey Customs Union covers industrial goods and processed agricultural products. Import duties on qualifying goods are zero or minimal. We prepare the A.TR movement certificates required for customs union benefits and manage the full import documentation chain for each shipment.