Turkiye: Main Mistakes in Organising Export

Exporters from Turkey, especially novices, often face a range of challenges and make common mistakes that can hinder their success. These issues can stem from a lack of experience, insufficient research, or external economic factors.

Here are the main mistakes and challenges faced by Turkish exporters.



I. Lack of Thorough Preparation & Market Research

  1. Insufficient Market Research: This is arguably the most fundamental mistake. Exporters often:
    • Fail to identify genuine demand for their product in target markets.
    • Don’t fully understand customer preferences, local tastes, or cultural nuances.
    • Neglect to thoroughly research competitors (local and international) and their pricing strategies.
    • Don’t factor in local distribution channels and how their product will fit in.
  2. Not Understanding Target Market Regulations & Standards:
    • Failure to obtain correct certifications: Many products require specific certifications (e.g., CE marking for Europe, Halal certification) or health/phytosanitary certificates. Not having these leads to goods being held at customs, fines, or rejection.
    • Ignoring local import duties and taxes (VAT): Underestimating the total cost to the buyer (DDP – Delivered Duty Paid) can make their product uncompetitive.
    • Incorrect commodity codes (HS codes): Using the wrong 10-digit HS code can lead to higher duties, fines, or delays.
    • Non-compliance with labeling and packaging rules: Different countries have specific requirements for product information, language, and packaging materials.
  3. Inadequate Due Diligence on Buyers: Especially for payment methods other than cash in advance or confirmed Letter of Credit, Turkish exporters might not thoroughly vet their international buyers’ creditworthiness or reliability, leading to payment delays or defaults.

II. Operational & Logistical Errors

  1. Incomplete or Inaccurate Documentation: This is a recurring problem. Missing or incorrect documents like commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading/air waybills, or certificates of origin are a primary cause of customs delays, extra shipping costs, and even cargo disputes or seizures.
  2. Underestimating Total Costs: New exporters often focus only on product cost and main logistics. They fail to account for “hidden” costs such as:
    • Banking fees, insurance.
    • Customs examination fees, warehouse costs at destination.
    • Cost of potential returns, defective products.
    • Marketing and e-commerce marketplace fees (if applicable).
  3. Poor Logistics Management & Unreliable Transportation:
    • Not choosing the most suitable or safest transportation method for their product and destination (e.g., trying to use sea freight for a time-sensitive, high-value product).
    • Working with unreliable freight forwarders who lack experience in specific routes or with certain types of goods.
    • Ignoring insurance coverage for shipments against loss, damage, or theft.
  4. Substandard Quality Control: Assuming the producer understands all requirements or that defects can simply be shipped back to the supplier is a costly mistake. Lack of proper quality inspection before shipment can lead to dissatisfied customers, damaged reputation, and costly returns or discounts.

III. Financial & Economic Vulnerabilities

  1. Vulnerability to Currency Fluctuations: With the Turkish Lira’s volatility, exporters may not adequately hedge against currency risks, eroding their profit margins if the Lira depreciates significantly against their foreign currency revenue.
  2. High Input Costs & Low Productivity: Turkish industries, particularly labor-intensive ones like textiles and apparel, face increasing input costs (labor, energy) and can struggle with lower productivity compared to competitors in East Asia or North Africa, making Turkish products less price-competitive.
  3. Financing Challenges: High interest rates and financing costs in Turkey can make it difficult for exporters to access working capital or secure competitive loans, especially for SMEs.

IV. Strategic & Market-Related Weaknesses

  1. Over-reliance on Traditional Markets (e.g., EU): While Europe is a crucial market, over-dependence can be risky if demand there slows down. Not diversifying into new, growing markets (e.g., Africa, Central Asia, other emerging economies) can limit growth potential.
  2. Insufficient Value-Added Products: Turkey’s export structure still leans heavily on labor-intensive and capital-intensive goods. There’s a recognized weakness in exporting high-tech, innovation, and R&D-oriented products with high added value, which are key for long-term competitiveness.
  3. Lack of Branding and IP Protection: Neglecting to register trademarks or protect intellectual property in target markets can lead to imitation and loss of market share.
  4. Communication Barriers & Cultural Misunderstandings: Even with good English, nuances in communication and cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings with partners, distributors, or customers, affecting relationships and business outcomes.
  5. Not Leveraging Government Support & Incentives: Some exporters might not be fully aware of or effectively utilize the various support programs, loans, and credit insurances offered by Türk Eximbank and the Ministry of Trade.

To overcome these challenges, Turkish exporters, particularly novices, must prioritize thorough research, meticulous planning, risk management, continuous learning, and seeking professional advice from customs brokers, trade consultants, and legal experts.

For more guidance and recommendations for your business to enter the international market with your products and services, please feel free to contact us.

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 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.

Skip to toolbar