Turkey’s trade agreement network extends well beyond its well-known EU Customs Union, and companies sourcing from or exporting through Turkey often miss preferential access they already qualify for simply because they haven’t checked the full agreement list.
The EU Customs Union: The Best-Known Agreement
The EU-Turkey Customs Union removes tariffs on industrial goods traded between Turkey and EU member states, and Turkey applies the EU’s Common External Tariff to industrial imports from third countries — covered in detail in our Turkey market guide.
Beyond the EU: Turkey’s Broader FTA Network
Turkey maintains free trade agreements with over 20 countries beyond the EU relationship, spanning parts of the Balkans, the Middle East, and other partners — each agreement with its own specific product coverage and preferential tariff schedule that doesn’t automatically mirror the EU Customs Union terms.
Why This Matters for Sourcing and Export Strategy
A company manufacturing in Turkey and exporting to an FTA partner country may access preferential tariffs unavailable to competitors manufacturing elsewhere — making Turkey’s specific FTA coverage directly relevant to a manufacturing location decision, not just a customs formality to check after the fact.
Checking Whether Your Trade Qualifies
Qualifying for preferential treatment under any of Turkey’s FTAs requires meeting the specific rules of origin for that agreement — simply manufacturing in Turkey doesn’t automatically qualify a product; the origin rules for the specific FTA in question have to be satisfied.
Using Turkey’s FTA Network Strategically
We help clients understand which of Turkey’s trade agreements are relevant to their specific sourcing or export plan. Explore our advisory services or book a discovery call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Turkey have trade agreements beyond the EU Customs Union?
Yes. Turkey maintains free trade agreements with over 20 countries beyond the EU relationship, spanning parts of the Balkans, the Middle East, and other partners, each with its own product coverage and tariff schedule.
Does manufacturing in Turkey automatically qualify a product for preferential tariffs?
No. Qualifying under any of Turkey’s FTAs requires meeting the specific rules of origin for that agreement — simply manufacturing in Turkey doesn’t automatically satisfy those requirements.
Why should Turkey’s FTA network factor into a manufacturing location decision?
A company manufacturing in Turkey and exporting to an FTA partner country may access preferential tariffs unavailable to competitors manufacturing elsewhere, making this directly relevant to location strategy, not just a customs afterthought.