Transportation Methods Used in Turkey's Foreign Trade

Transportation plays a critical role in Turkey's foreign trade. Choosing the right mode of transportation is essential for companies engaged in importing or exporting goods. The Turkey transportation system is diverse, encompassing a wide range of modes of transportation in Turkey that cater to the needs of businesses across various industries. Understanding the different modes of transportation in Turkey can help exporters and importers make more efficient and cost-effective decisions when it comes to shipping goods.

 

Maritime Transportation in Turkey

Maritime transportation is one of the most widely used types of transportation in Turkey. Due to its high load capacity, it is especially preferred by companies exporting heavy tonnage products. It remains the most cost-effective option for transporting large quantities of goods, although it is less viable in areas without ports. As of data available up until November 2024, maritime transportation accounts for around 55% of both export and import transportation activities, making it the leading mode of Turkey transportation in Turkey’s foreign trade. Importers often rely on maritime transportation for goods such as machinery, natural resources, and heavy industry.

 

Road Transportation in Turkey

Road transportation is commonly used for short-distance transport. It is especially effective for exporters who need to deliver goods to neighboring countries or regions without ports. Since terminals like ports or airports are not necessary, companies can establish their own road transport networks with relatively low cost. According to data available up until November 2024, road transportation accounts for 33.10% of export-related transportation and 19% of import-related transportation in Turkey. For transportation Turkey to neighboring countries such as those in Europe, road transport is often the preferred method.

 

Air Transportation in Turkey

Air transportation is one of the most rapid methods, ideal for urgent deliveries or transportation Turkey to far-off regions. Although it is a more costly option compared to other methods, it has gained popularity in recent years, especially for businesses that require quick shipping for time-sensitive products. As of data available up until November 2024, air transportation represents 9.85% of Turkey's total export transportation and 14% of import transportation. This highlights its growing role in international trade, especially for high-value goods.

Railway Transportation in Turkey

Railway transportation in Turkey is primarily used in conjunction with maritime transport, especially for low-value goods. As of November 2024, railway transportation accounted for only 0.70% of export-related transport and 1% of imports. Despite its limitations, railway transportation offers another cost-effective option for companies that ship large quantities of goods over land within the Turkey transportation system.

 

Other Transportation Methods in Turkey

Beyond the primary transportation methods, there are other means used in Turkey for certain goods. For example, pipeline transportation is essential for moving crude oil, natural gas, and liquids. There is also multi-modal transportation, which combines different transportation methods to optimize efficiency. According to data available up until November 2024, these "other methods" account for 0.73% of exports and 11% of imports in Turkey.

 

Shipment Details for All Transportation Methods on TradeAtlas

TradeAtlas provides users with shipment data for all transportation methods used in international trade. Whether it’s import or export transactions made by sea, road, air, or rail, you can access detailed information on all these trade transportation methods. By examining each shipment's transportation mode, cargo volume, and other critical details on a single platform, you can optimize your business processes and assess trade opportunities in your target markets more quickly and efficiently.

 

For detailed information on the subject of target market selection in export, you can review the content “Target Market Selection in Export”.