Exporting to the Middle East

The Middle East has natural resources with high economic value. This causes the region to have a high economic potential position. As a result of the economic conversion of the high-value natural resources in the region, significant trade flows can be created between the countries in the region. Turkey, which is in relationship with the European Economic Community, has preferred to turn its direction to the Middle East due to the economic crisis experienced. The export quotas imposed against Turkey by the countries of the European Economic Community and the general recession that emerged in global markets in the second half of the 1970s severely limited Turkey's export opportunities to European markets. For this reason, the Middle East was seen as the most efficient potential market for Turkey. Economic relations with Middle Eastern countries have primarily occurred during the 1960-1980 period, mainly due to the need for oil. After the economic crisis in 1980, Turkey changed its growth preference from an import substitution model to an export-led growth model. In addition, the continuation of negative relations with Western countries can be considered a starting point for the increase in political relations between Turkey and Middle Eastern countries, which began to rise in the 1960s and 1970s, leading to growing economic relations. The instability of Turkey's economic indicators and the disorder in the region did not allow for stability in trade relations. The economic crises Turkey experienced in 1994 and 2001, in parallel with the increase in exports as well as imports, and the resulting current account deficit are among the major factors that hindered Turkey's economic advancement during this period. However, after the crisis of 2001, improved political relations with Middle Eastern countries and the strict monetary policies implemented by the country resulted in a noticeable increase in both imports and exports in trade. Turkey's exports to Middle Eastern countries increased on average by 14.1% annually between 1996 and 2005 (Kula & Aslan, 2008: 2). The global financial crisis that originated in the United States in 2008 also affected European Union countries. During this period, Turkey had to turn to the Middle Eastern market, and trade relations reached their highest level since that date.

How to Export to the Middle East?

There are two important points that individuals who want to sell to the Middle East via export should be aware of. These are creating an e-export site or opening a store on e-export marketplaces. Because individuals and businesses need to introduce and showcase their products and services to people living in the Middle East through an online store. This way, exporting becomes easier.

Individuals who will sell to the Middle East by opening an e-export site often prefer methods such as getting an e-export site developed, using open-source software, or ready-made e-export packages to establish their sites.

At this point, many individuals and businesses are thought to turn to ready-made e-export packages. Because with ready-made e-export packages, brands can quickly set up their sites and also have the opportunity to easily manage their sites and e-export processes using the modules and features available within the packages.

What Documents Are Required to Export to the Middle East?

Documents may be requested by both our country and the importing countries. In the e-export processes you can conduct through cargo, authorized fast cargo companies already request the necessary documents from you.
● Electronic Commerce Customs Declaration (ETGB)
● Commercial Invoice
● International cargo delivery documents
● A.TR Movement Certificate

What Are the Export Taxes to the Middle East?

Imported products with a value of 22 Euros determined per shipment coming via mail or express cargo are exempt from taxes. In exports, the products you send are not subject to tax exemption in the Middle East.

What Are the Procedures for Exporting to the Middle East?

Many different languages are spoken in the Middle East. The following languages are predominantly used; you need to be well-versed in the languages used for selling products to the Middle East. While the commonly used currencies in the world are determined to be the Dollar and Euro, each country has its own currency. More often, the currencies of the respective countries are primarily used in the Middle Eastern countries. If you want to sell goods to the Middle East, you may need to adopt these currencies and sell in these currencies if necessary.

What Products Are Exported to the Middle East?

● Chemicals and Their Products
● Ready-made Clothing and Apparel
● Rugs
● Grains, Pulses, Oilseeds and Their Products
● Furniture, Paper and Wood Products
● Electrical Electronics
● Automotive Industry
● Iron and Non-Ferrous Metals
● Mining Products
● Machinery and Equipment
● Seafood and Animal Products
● Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
● Steel
● Textiles and Raw Materials
● Cement, Glass, Ceramics and Clay Products
● Air Conditioning Industry
● Tobacco
● Jewelry
● Leather and Leather Products
● Fruit and Vegetable Products
● Dried Fruits and Their Products
● Olives and Olive Oil
● Defense and Aviation Industry
● Hazelnuts and Their Products
● Other Industrial Products
● Ornamental Plants and Products.
● Ships and Yachts

What Is the Trade Volume Between Turkey and the Middle East Like?

In 2007, Turkey's exports to this region amounted to 14.3 billion dollars; this figure increased by 107.8% over 12 years, exceeding 29.72 billion dollars by the end of 2018. When looking at the exported products, it is seen that 11.1% (3.3 billion dollars) of this amount is made up of natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, and precious metals, which constitutes the largest export item. Iron and steel exports follow with approximately 7% (2 billion dollars); machinery, mechanical devices, nuclear reactors, boilers, and their parts account for 5.84% (1.73 billion dollars) of exports. Electric machines and devices and their parts represent 4.92% (1.46 billion dollars); furniture, bedding sets, mattresses, mattress supports, cushions, and similar stuffed furniture account for 3.66% (1.1 billion dollars) of the export components. When looking at the components of Turkey's exports to the Middle East in 2018, it is seen that it is not based on a single item or multiple export items, but that Turkey exports a wide range of products or materials to the Middle Eastern region.

How Does the Logistics Process Work When Exporting to the Middle East?

In the export processes to the Middle East, container transportation is generally preferred for product delivery. Container sales are a budget-friendly method in raw material exports and wholesale sales. In retail activities, delivery can often be made via air cargo.

When discussing the e-export stages to the Middle East, the process starts with the product being ordered by the customer. After the orders are prepared, the necessary official authorities are notified. The products that receive customs approval are sent to sea or air transport companies. The logistics process concludes with the products being received by the customer and starting to be used.

Which Countries Can Sell Products to the Middle East?

Turkey is a very strategic country for the Middle East and Europe. The countries from which you can sell products to the Middle East from Turkey;
● Syria
● Iraq
● Qatar
● Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
● Greek Cypriot Administration
● Jordan
● Israel
● Lebanon
● Iran
● Palestine
● Saudi Arabia
● United Arab Emirates
● Oman
● Kuwait
● Bahrain
● Yemen
● Egypt
● Afghanistan
● Pakistan
● Tunisia
● Algeria
● Libya
● Sudan
● Morocco