From the Editor’s Desk

The trade relationship between Turkey and the United States has grown steadily in recent years, driven by industries ranging from textiles and marble to automotive parts and processed foods. As demand continues to rise, efficient logistics between the two countries has become a strategic priority for exporters and importers alike.

Turkey’s unique position as a Eurasian hub gives it access to multiple modes of transport, while the U.S. offers vast consumer markets across the East and West Coasts. Together, these factors create both opportunities and challenges for businesses managing cross-Atlantic supply chains.

In this article, Beeontrade provides a logistics-focused overview of Turkey-USA trade routes, covering maritime and air freight flows, key ports, cost factors, and best practices for predictive logistics and 3PL visibility.

Key Takeaways

Trade Growth

• Turkey’s exports to the U.S. have increased in sectors like textiles, natural stone, food products, and metals.
• Rising demand requires reliable freight operations with strong capacity management.

Logistics Channels

• Ocean freight dominates bulk and containerized trade, while air freight supports time-sensitive, high-value shipments.
• Digital supply chain tools now provide predictive visibility into shipping costs, transit times, and bottlenecks.

Cost Drivers

• Freight rates fluctuate based on seasonality, equipment availability, and global market conditions.
• Customs clearance, duties, and Incoterms selection remain critical in determining landed costs.

Maritime Trade Routes

Key Turkish Ports

Exports from Turkey to the U.S. primarily move through ports like Istanbul (Ambarlı), Izmir (Alsancak), and Mersin. These facilities handle a significant share of containerized exports, supported by modern infrastructure and bonded warehouses.

U.S. Entry Points

On the American side, major gateways include New York/New Jersey, Norfolk, Savannah, Houston, and Los Angeles. East Coast ports are popular for textiles and consumer goods, while Gulf ports often handle marble, steel, and bulk commodities.

Transit Times

Typical ocean transit from Turkish ports to U.S. East Coast terminals ranges from 18–25 days, while shipments to the West Coast can take 30–40 days depending on routing and transshipment.

Air Freight Routes

Primary Airports

Istanbul Airport and Ankara Esenboğa Airport are the main gateways for air cargo bound for the U.S. Major U.S. entry airports include New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), and Atlanta (ATL).

Use Cases

Air freight is typically reserved for high-value, time-sensitive goods such as electronics, medical devices, and fashion items. Though costly, it supports just-in-time supply chains and e-commerce fulfillment.

Cost and Compliance Considerations

Freight Cost Factors

Ocean freight costs are influenced by fuel surcharges, capacity availability, and container type (20DC, 40HQ, or refrigerated). Air freight pricing is driven by weight, volume, and seasonal demand.

Customs and Regulations

Exporters must provide accurate documentation: commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and Importer Security Filings (ISF). Incorrect paperwork can result in penalties and delays at U.S. customs.

Incoterm Selection

Shippers must carefully choose Incoterms to allocate freight costs and risks effectively. FOB and CIF are common for Turkish exporters, while U.S. buyers may prefer DDP for cost predictability.

Best Practices for Shippers

Plan for Seasonality

Peak shipping periods—before major U.S. retail seasons and holidays—often create congestion and rate spikes. Predictive logistics planning helps secure capacity in advance.

Leverage 3PL Expertise

Working with a Turkish logistics company familiar with U.S. trade flows ensures smoother customs clearance, competitive rates, and better visibility across multimodal options.

Integrate Digital Visibility

Real-time shipment tracking and predictive analytics help shippers anticipate bottlenecks, manage inventory, and reduce freight costs across both ocean and air routes.

Beeontrade’s Perspective

At Beeontrade, we view the Turkey-USA trade lane as one of the most dynamic and opportunity-rich corridors in global logistics. By combining Turkey’s geographic strengths with advanced digital supply chain tools, shippers can achieve freight cost reduction, 3PL visibility, and predictive logistics insights that drive long-term competitiveness in U.S. markets.

Sources

• U.S. Department of Commerce – Turkey Country Guide
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection – Import Guidelines
• The Loadstar – Global Shipping and Trade Insights
• Journal of Commerce – Transatlantic Freight Market