Exporting guide to Turkey
Growing consumer base
Turkey is a rapidly developing and increasingly sophisticated market. It has a growing middle class and domestic consumer base of more than 80 million people. Turkey’s population is one of the youngest and fastest growing in Europe, predicted to reach nearly 87 million by 2023.
Strong commercial ties with the UK
Turkey and the UK have strong commercial ties. English is increasingly used for business, and Turkey has adopted European business ethics and modern management practices. Some of the UK’s biggest companies operate here including Vodafone, GlaxoSmithKline, BP, Marks & Spencer and HSBC. The country is also a popular holiday destination for British tourists.
Trade gateway
Turkey straddles both Europe and Asia and borders a range of countries. Its strategic location means it can act as a springboard for UK companies to do business in markets such as Central Asia and the South Caucasus. Businesses can get strong support from UK Export Finance.
Ease of doing business
33rd
out of 190 countries (World Bank 2019)
Currency
Turkish lira
Business languages
Turkish
You may need a translator
GDP per capita
$9,350
UK is $42,560 (IMF 2018)
Economic growth
0.9%
(IMF 2019)
Time zone
GMT +3
Opportunities for exporters
Turkey and the UK have developed strong commercial ties, particularly in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, healthcare, technology, retail, defence and security, aerospace, and financial and business services. The Turkish government is investing significantly in a wide range of infrastructure projects, from nuclear power to road and rail.
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Healthcare and life sciences
UK companies will find opportunities in the private sector and in the state funded sector, where new healthcare facilities are being established under the public private partnership model. Areas of opportunity include medical equipment provision, hospital services, and facilities design and management.
Medical equipment
There are opportunities for UK businesses to provide specialist equipment to the Turkish healthcare market. This includes advanced medical technologies and equipment for all areas of medicine, as well as implants, dental and orthopaedic products, hearing aids, splints and other fracture appliances.
Hospital services
There’s demand for the provision of services in hospitals, including catering, cleaning, security and accommodation. UK businesses could also provide professional, clinical and facilities management services, staff training, and medical services for the elderly and disabled. They could also operate commercial areas of healthcare facilities such as cafes and pharmacies.
Facilities design
UK businesses may find opportunities in designing healthcare facilities. There’s a need for the design of innovative e-delivery services, energy efficient or ‘green’ buildings, intelligent information technology, and rooms and devices for operation theatres, laboratories and wards.
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Advanced manufacturing
Turkey has a burgeoning manufacturing sector which offers a lot of potential for UK businesses. There are opportunities for businesses able to supply services and equipment, particularly in the automotive, maritime and aerospace industries.
Automotive
Turkey is a major automotive manufacturer, both of vehicles and components. Its customs union with the EU and its geographic location mean it has excellent access to international automotive supply chains. Ford, Renault, Nissan and Toyota and many others have a significant presence in Turkey.
Maritime
From commercial shipbuilding to high end superyachts, Turkey’s maritime industry continues to attract talent and increase production. UK companies supplying maritime services and specialist equipment could help meet demand in the market.
Aerospace
Turkey hosts a major carrier – Turkish Airlines – and is an international air transport hub. The sector aims to shift part of its long established, global manufacturing supply chain towards more local production. UK companies supplying aerospace services and specialist equipment could help meet demand.
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Energy
Energy consumption in Turkey is low compared with western European countries, but is steadily increasing. Turkey plans to reform energy production to meet increasing demand and become a regional transit hub for energy transportation. The government wants the share of renewable energy to reach 30% of total energy consumption by 2023.
Solar
The Turkish government aims to install power plants to provide 5,000 MW of solar energy by 2023. Turkey will add around 1,000 MW of solar energy capacity in the near term through tenders for 40-50 MW capacity solar investments, launched under its renewable energy resource area (YEKA) scheme.
Wind
Due to its climate and topography, Turkey is also attractive for wind energy investments. The government aims to increase Turkey’s installed wind power capacity to 20,000 MW by 2023.
Nuclear
Turkey’s first nuclear power station is currently under construction, with proposals for two further plants under consultation. None are yet operational. A new nuclear energy law in the pipeline covers the basic principles of nuclear safety, authorisation and enforcement responsibilities, and aims to ensure that the nuclear regulatory authority is fully independent.
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Security
There are significant opportunities in Turkey’s security sector for UK businesses, including in the supply of equipment and in international security operations. Working with Turkish partners can ease access to other markets.
Supply of equipment
Turkey is one of the world’s largest security equipment importers. UK companies in the sector may find Turkey a profitable target market for their goods.
Access to other markets
One of Turkey’s strategic targets is to create a self-sufficient security industry sector. UK businesses that choose to work with Turkish partners in the sector will find it easier to access not only the Turkish market but other markets as well.
International security
Turkey is an important partner in building international security. There are a lot of opportunities on offer in the Turkish security sector for UK security businesses, especially in cyber security, energy, nuclear, airports and disaster relief.
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Infrastructure
Turkey’s infrastructure sector has a lot to offer UK businesses. Large scale transport and water infrastructure projects are underway, and British companies can also benefit from forming partnerships with Turkish construction companies.
Construction
Turkish construction companies are among the world’s highest rated and most active. As the Turkish construction sector boom has slowed, Turkish businesses in the sector are now using their proven expertise to successfully explore other markets. UK companies can benefit from forming partnerships with them.
Transportation
Major infrastructure projects in the Turkish transport sector, including around bridges, roads, airports and rail, are currently being carried out. These present opportunities for UK companies that provide services and equipment in these sectors.
Water
Water infrastructure is a major area of development for Turkey. Existing systems in large cities are being updated, and aid funded projects also present opportunities for UK businesses. Turkish state and municipal water authorities are interested in UK expertise, services and equipment.
Doing business in Turkey
Preparing to export
VAT
VAT rates vary between 1%, 8% and 18%.
Some product groups are subject to Special Consumption Tax (SCT) at different tax rates. Stamp duty also applies to a wide range of documents including contracts, agreements and payrolls.
You’ll find more information on taxes on the Turkish government’s Invest in Turkey website.
Standards and regulations
The Turkish Standards Institution is responsible for developing all kinds of commercial standards.
There are a number of Turkish regulatory institutions that specialise in different areas. Contact our team in Turkey or our strategic partner, The British Chamber of Commerce in Turkey, for help.
Intellectual property (IP)
We advise you to speak to an intellectual property lawyer as a first step if you think you need patent protection when exporting to Turkey.
Turkish IP legislation is considered to be in line with EU standards. A patchwork of laws and decrees was replaced with a single framework which is more modern, reliable and attractive to investors.
Trade barriers
Check for any reported barriers to trading with Turkey.
Report any trade barriers that are affecting your business so we can help fix them.
Operating in Turkey
Risks
Regulatory issues, bureaucracy and sudden changes to legislation and regulations may present challenges to businesses exporting to Turkey.
Next steps
DIT can advise you on doing business abroad, and help put you in touch with other people who can help such as lawyers and distributors.
