From Turkey To Poland: Export Trends and Prerequisites

Poland is absolutely a promising destination for Turkish exports which is caused by a number of reasons.

Here they are, based on current trends and future outlook.



1. Strong and Growing Trade Relationship

  • Significant Volume: The trade volume between Turkey and Poland has increased rapidly, jumping from $7 billion to $12 billion in a very short time. This robust growth indicates strong demand and successful existing partnerships.

  • Ambitious Targets: Both Turkish and Polish leaders have set an ambitious target of $15 billion for bilateral trade, signaling a clear political will to further deepen economic ties.

  • Trade Balance in Turkey’s Favor: Turkey currently holds a positive trade balance with Poland (meaning Turkey exports more to Poland than it imports), though the gap has narrowed slightly in recent years. This indicates a strong market for Turkish goods.

2. Poland’s Robust Economic Outlook

  • Solid GDP Growth: Poland’s economy is expected to maintain robust growth in 2025 (forecasted at 3.3%) and 2026 (3.0%). This growth is primarily driven by strong private consumption (due to rising real wages and increased government benefits) and investment (especially EU-funded public investment in infrastructure and energy).

  • Strategic Location: Poland’s central position in Europe makes it a vital gateway for trade between Western and Eastern Europe. Its well-developed infrastructure (ports, railways, highways) facilitates efficient logistics and distribution.

  • EU Membership Benefits: As an EU member, Poland benefits from free trade within the EU, reduced tariffs, and streamlined customs procedures, making it an attractive entry point to the broader European market.

3. Key Export Sectors with High Potential

Turkish exports to Poland are diverse, indicating wide-ranging opportunities. The top categories in 2024 highlight particular strengths:

  • Vehicles (other than railway, tramway): This is by far the largest Turkish export to Poland ($1.62 billion in 2024), showing a strong demand for Turkish-made or assembled vehicles and parts.

  • Machinery, Nuclear Reactors, Boilers: A significant category ($619.19 million in 2024), driven by Poland’s industrial development and investment.

  • Electrical, Electronic Equipment: Another substantial export ($459.46 million in 2024), reflecting the demand for technology and consumer electronics.

  • Textiles and Apparel (Knit and Not Knit): Combined, these categories represent over $680 million in 2024. Turkish textiles are highly competitive in Poland due to quality, design, and proximity (as Poland also imports heavily from China, Bangladesh, and Germany in this sector).

  • Aluminum: A surprisingly large export ($317.62 million in 2024), indicating industrial demand.

  • Plastics: ($280.32 million in 2024) – used across various manufacturing sectors.

  • Edible Fruits, Nuts, Peel of Citrus Fruit, Melons: A strong agricultural export ($255.26 million in 2024), benefiting from Poland’s import needs for fresh produce.

  • Articles of Iron or Steel: ($259.99 million in 2024) – for construction and manufacturing.

  • Defense Sector: Described as a sector with “significant progress,” with “Arms and ammunition, parts and accessories” at $106.82 million in 2024. This is a growing area of cooperation.

  • Pharmaceutical Products: A consistent export ($63.05 million in 2024), indicating demand for Turkish pharmaceuticals.

  • Furniture, Lighting Signs, Prefabricated Buildings: ($57.47 million in 2024) – aligning with Poland’s construction and real estate development.

4. Favorable Regulatory and Political Environment

  • Free Trade Agreement (FTA): A Free Trade Agreement between Turkey and Poland has been in force since 2002, eliminating tariffs on industrial products and providing a framework for trade in agricultural products. This significantly boosts competitiveness.

  • Strategic Partnership: Relations between Turkey and Poland have been elevated to a “strategic partnership” since 2009. Both countries are members of NATO, OECD, OSCE, and the WTO, ensuring a stable and cooperative political environment.

  • Shared Energy Goals: Both countries are focusing on reducing energy dependence and increasing renewable energy, creating potential for cooperation and related goods/services.

  • Polish-Turkish Chamber of Commerce: Established in 2007, this body actively supports mutual collaboration and strengthens economic ties.

Conclusion

Given the strong historical ties, robust economic growth in Poland, significant existing trade volumes, ambitious future targets, and the diverse range of successful Turkish exports, Poland is indeed a very promising and strategically important destination for Turkish exports.

Turkish exporters should prioritize market research within these key sectors to identify specific niches and capitalize on the existing goodwill and economic momentum between the two countries.

For guidance and consultancy, as well as developing effective strategy for export from Turkey, please feel free to contact us.

What Should Novice Exporters from Turkey Consider in the First Place?

Becoming a successful exporter from Turkey, especially as a novice, requires careful planning, thorough research, and a commitment to quality and compliance.

Here’s comprehensive advice for novice exporters from Turkey.



1. Do Your Homework (Market Research is King)

  • Identify Target Markets: Don’t just pick a country randomly. Research which countries have demand for your specific product. Consider:
    • Existing Turkish export markets: Germany, USA, UK, Central Asian countries (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan), Middle East (Iraq, UAE), and North Africa. These often have established logistics and demand.
    • Growing economies: Central Asia and Africa, where demand for Turkish manufactured goods and services is rising.
    • Cultural affinity: Countries with Turkic or Islamic cultural ties often have a natural inclination towards Turkish products (e.g., Central Asia, Azerbaijan, some Middle Eastern countries).

  • Understand Market Needs & Preferences:
    • Consumer behavior: What do customers in your target market truly want? Does your product need adaptation (e.g., design, size, flavor, language)?
    • Competition: Who are your competitors (local and international)? What are their prices, quality, and marketing strategies?
    • Pricing: Research competitive pricing in the target market, considering all export costs (shipping, duties, taxes, agent fees).

  • Legal & Regulatory Environment:
    • Import regulations: What are the import duties, taxes (VAT), and other tariffs in your target country?
    • Product standards & certifications: Does your product require specific certifications (e.g., CE marking for Europe, Halal certification for certain markets)? Are there specific labeling or packaging requirements?
    • Prohibited/Restricted goods: Ensure your product isn’t on any restricted list.

2. Understand Turkish Export Procedures & Requirements

  • Legal Entity & Tax ID: You need to be a registered legal entity or natural person with a tax ID number.
  • Exporters’ Association Membership: You must be a member of the relevant Exporters’ Association for your product category (e.g., Uludağ Textile Exporters’ Association). Your customs declaration will need to be approved by this association.
  • Customs Declaration (BİLGE System): All export transactions go through the electronic BİLGE system. You’ll need a user code and password, and potentially an electronic signature.
  • Documentation: Prepare accurate and complete documents:
    • Commercial Invoice: Essential for most shipments, detailing goods, value, and parties.
    • Packing List: Details the contents of each package.
    • Air Waybill (for air freight) or Bill of Lading (for sea freight): Transportation contract.
    • Certificate of Origin: Crucial for preferential trade agreements (e.g., EUR.1 for EU, ATR for EU, Certificate of Origin for others) to benefit from reduced or zero tariffs.
    • Licenses/Permits: Some products require specific export licenses or permits from competent authorities in Turkey (e.g., dual-use goods, certain food products). Obtain these before starting customs procedures.
    • Other certificates: Health certificates (for food), phytosanitary certificates (for plants), quality certificates, etc.
  • Customs Broker (Gümrük Müşaviri): For a novice, it’s highly recommended to work with a reputable customs broker in Turkey. They have the expertise to navigate complex regulations, prepare documentation correctly, and ensure smooth customs clearance.

3. Master Logistics and Shipping

  • Choose the Right Incoterms: Understand Incoterms (e.g., EXW, FOB, CIF, DDP). These define responsibilities, costs, and risks between buyer and seller. For novices, starting with simpler terms like FOB (Free on Board) where the buyer arranges main carriage is often easier.
  • Select Shipping Method:
    • Air Freight: Fastest, but most expensive. Good for high-value, perishable, or time-sensitive goods.
    • Sea Freight: Most economical for large volumes, but slower. Common from ports like Gemlik, Ambarlı (Istanbul), or Mersin.
    • Road Freight: Flexible and economical for nearby countries (Europe, Middle East, Caucasus).
    • Rail Freight: Growing in importance, especially along the Middle Corridor to Central Asia, offering a balance of cost and speed.
  • Work with Reliable Freight Forwarders: A good freight forwarder will manage the entire shipping process, from picking up goods to arranging customs clearance and delivery. Look for those with experience in your target markets and product types.
  • Insurance: Always insure your goods against potential risks (damage, loss, theft) during transit.

4. Payment Methods & Risk Management

  • Understand Payment Terms:
    • Cash in Advance: Safest for exporter, highest risk for importer. Good for small initial orders.
    • Letter of Credit (L/C): Highly secure for both parties as banks guarantee payment upon fulfillment of conditions. Often preferred for larger, higher-risk transactions.
    • Documentary Collections (CAD/DP/DA): Bank facilitates exchange of documents against payment or acceptance. Less secure than L/C for the exporter.
    • Open Account: Goods shipped before payment is due. Highest risk for exporter, usually for established, trusted relationships.
  • Assess Importer’s Creditworthiness: Especially for payment methods other than cash in advance or confirmed L/C, conduct due diligence on your buyer.
  • Currency Risk: Consider using forward contracts or other hedging instruments if dealing with volatile currencies to protect against unfavorable exchange rate fluctuations.

5. Financial Support & Incentives

  • Eximbank (Türk Eximbank): This is a crucial resource for Turkish exporters. They offer:
    • Export Credit Insurance: Protects against commercial and political risks of non-payment.
    • Short, Medium, and Long-Term Loans: Tailored financing for various export needs.
    • Guarantees: To facilitate access to bank loans.
  • Ministry of Trade Incentives: Türkiye offers various state incentives for investments and exports, including VAT exemption, customs duty exemption, and tax reductions for certain types of investments and exports (e.g., high-tech products, investments in specific regions).1Research these programs.
  • KOSGEB (Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organization): Provides support programs for SMEs, including those looking to export.

6. Marketing and Sales

  • E-Export (E-İhracat): Consider online platforms. Turkey is actively promoting cross-border e-commerce. Selling through global marketplaces (e.g., Amazon, Alibaba, specialized platforms) can be a low-cost entry point.
  • Trade Fairs & Exhibitions: Participate in relevant domestic (e.g., IFCO, WorldFood Istanbul, Heimtextil) and international trade fairs. This is excellent for networking, market research, and finding buyers.
  • Digital Marketing: Build a professional website in English and target market languages. Use social media, SEO, and online advertising to reach potential international buyers.
  • Local Partnerships: Consider working with local distributors, agents, or joint ventures in target markets. They understand the local landscape and can facilitate market entry.

7. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Insufficient Market Research: Don’t assume demand; verify it.
  • Neglecting Regulations: Compliance is non-negotiable; errors lead to delays and fines.
  • Inadequate Documentation: Incomplete or inaccurate paperwork is a primary cause of customs issues.
  • Underestimating Costs: Factor in all expenses (logistics, duties, insurance, marketing, potential returns).
  • Poor Communication: Maintain clear and consistent communication with your buyers and partners.
  • Ignoring After-Sales Service: Crucial for building long-term relationships and reputation, especially for machinery and electronics.
  • Lack of Insurance: Don’t risk uninsured shipments.
  • Not Seeking Professional Advice: Leverage experts like customs brokers, trade consultants, and international lawyers.

Starting to export can be challenging, but with Turkey’s strategic location, growing manufacturing base, and government support, it offers immense opportunities.

Begin small, learn from each experience, and continuously adapt your strategy.

For more guidance and consultancy, please feel free to contact STARTINFORUM team to set a call or an online meeting.

What is the Business Profile of STARTINFORUM?

STARTINFORUM International Consultancy LTD Company, or simply STARTINFORUM, is a Project Management and Business Consultancy firm that specializes in facilitating international business development and expansion.

The business profile encompasses several key areas:



International Business Development & Business Extension

  • This is a core focus. STARTINFORUM provides consultancy for businesses looking to expand their products and services into new countries and cultures. The company conducts market analysis (including legislative regulations, competition, and market demands), develops strategic plans for communication, advertising, and promotion, and helps establish networking with potential partners and customers.
  • The company’s aim is to ensure successful market entry and long-term, mutually beneficial collaborations.

  • STARTINFORUM collaborates with a diverse range of sectors, including agricultural enterprises, food production factories, business organizations, real estate companies, construction companies, industrial machinery factories, textile factories, mass media companies, and technological centers.

International Trade

  • STARTINFORUM actively works on developing new trading plans and strategies, strengthening existing trading relationships, and identifying new products and services in demand in the international market. The company’s aim is to establish reliable ties and connections for long-term partnerships and collaborative consortiums.

Computer Technologies and Software

  • Recognizing the essential role of technology in modern business, STARTINFORUM works to enhance computer technology development and implementation within organizations.
  • The company’s team has expertise in software development, graphics, and multimedia, creating new information products, content, and programs. This includes solutions for the educational sector (online education modules, training programs) and services like website design, e-system development, and database creation.

Education

  • The company develops and implements educational projects, organizes programs and courses, and hosts international conferences in various fields including education, technology, language studies, management, economics, and social sciences.
  • The company also offers consulting services to companies, schools, and higher educational establishments to enhance professional competencies and develop related skills.

Social Activities

  • STARTINFORUM is also described as being socially active at the national and international levels, participating in ERASMUS + projects, volunteering activities, etc.

In essence, STARTINFORUM acts as an international facilitator and consultant, helping businesses navigate the complexities of global expansion, trade, and technological integration, while also engaging in educational initiatives.

The company emphasizes establishing long-term and reliable partnerships for quality and mutual benefits at the national and international level.

To contact the company’s team and discuss the possibilities of collaboration, please feel free to contact us and set an online meeting with the company’s representatives.

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