Comprehensive Guide to Product Imports from Turkey to India 2023 Edition

The trade relationship between Turkey and India has been steadily growing over the last decade, driven by increasing economic collaboration and diversified supply chains. In 2023, India imported goods worth over US$3.15 billion from Turkey, marking a significant milestone in bilateral trade. This article dives deep into the types of products imported, leading Turkish brands, year-on-year growth, import costs, and the role these products play in the Indian economy.

1. Overview of India-Turkey Trade Relations

India and Turkey have maintained diplomatic relations since 1948, with trade becoming a core component of their engagement. Turkey sees India as a strategic partner in South Asia, while India values Turkey for its geographical location that bridges Europe and Asia. Trade has significantly grown, especially in non-agricultural commodities, consumer products, construction materials, and textiles.

According to data released by India's Ministry of Commerce and the Turkish Exporters Assembly, total imports by India from Turkey in 2023 were valued at US$3.15 billion. This number reflects a growth of approximately 7.2% compared to the US$2.94 billion reported in 2022.

2. Key Product Categories Imported from Turkey to India

The types of goods imported are diverse, ranging from industrial machinery to food and fashion. Below are some of the top import categories:

2.1 Mineral Fuels and Oils

India imported refined petroleum oils and other mineral fuels worth US$1.25 billion in 2023. This accounted for the largest share of total imports. Turkish companies like Tüpraş are the leading exporters of refined fuel to India. These imports are used in transportation, power generation, and industrial applications.

2.2 Machinery and Mechanical Appliances

Machinery imports, including parts and tools used in the construction, manufacturing, and electronics sectors, amounted to US$266.51 million. Brands such as Arçelik, Vestel, and Karsan supply everything from domestic washing machines to industrial-grade boilers.

2.3 Salt, Sulphur, Earths, and Stones

Turkey is rich in minerals and natural stones like marble, travertine, and basalt. Imports of this category reached US$257.16 million in 2023. These are widely used in India’s booming real estate and infrastructure sectors.

2.4 Precious Stones and Metals

India imported nearly US$183.76 million worth of precious metals and stones including gold, silver, and synthetic diamonds from Turkey. These are essential in India's jewelry market, which is one of the world’s largest.

2.5 Inorganic Chemicals

Inorganic chemical imports from Turkey reached US$156.95 million. These chemicals are primarily used in pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, and industrial applications. Turkish suppliers like Eti Maden dominate this segment.

2.6 Iron and Steel

Turkey exported US$130.85 million worth of iron and steel to India in 2023. These imports are vital for infrastructure development and are used by Indian companies such as Tata Steel and JSW.

2.7 Edible Fruits and Nuts

Hazelnuts, dried apricots, and figs are some of the main fruits and nuts imported from Turkey, with total imports valued at US$104.42 million. Brands like Tadım and Torku are popular in Indian supermarkets.

2.8 Plastics and Plastic Articles

Plastics valued at US$75.38 million were imported in the form of raw polymers, industrial plastic components, and consumer products. These are used in automotive, construction, and household product manufacturing.

2.9 Apparel and Textiles

Textile imports stood at US$114.76 million. Turkey’s rich textile heritage and high-quality production have made brands like LC Waikiki, Mavi Jeans, and Koton increasingly popular in India.

2.10 Processed Food and Confectionery

Processed food imports including jams, chocolates, and dairy products amounted to over US$40 million. Companies like Ülker, Pinar, and Eti are prominent suppliers of biscuits, dairy, and ready-to-eat snacks.

3. Turkish Brands Dominating the Indian Market

• Arçelik: Known for its refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers.
• Vestel: Offers affordable electronics and appliances such as smart TVs, AC units, and microwaves.
• LC Waikiki: A well-known fashion brand with a growing footprint in India's metropolitan markets.
• Tadım: Supplies premium nuts and dried fruits that are widely available online and in gourmet stores.
• Torku: Offers halal-certified confectionery, juices, and breakfast products.
• Mavi Jeans: Positioned as a premium denim brand with niche Indian clientele.

4. Logistics, Tariffs, and Regulatory Landscape

Imports from Turkey typically arrive via maritime routes through the Port of Mersin and then are shipped to major Indian ports such as Mumbai (JNPT), Mundra, and Chennai. The Indian government imposes an average import duty of 7% to 18% on these products, depending on the category. Items such as luxury apparel and electronics incur higher tariffs, whereas raw materials like iron and crude oil are taxed minimally.

To facilitate smoother trade, Turkey and India have signed various trade facilitation agreements, and both are exploring possibilities for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

5. Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges:

• High customs duties on finished goods
• Complex compliance and labeling requirements
• Currency fluctuations affecting pricing strategies

Opportunities:

• Rising demand for premium and niche products in Indian metros
• Untapped rural and semi-urban markets
• Collaborations between Turkish manufacturers and Indian distributors

6. Import Cost Breakdown by Product (2023)

7. Conclusion

India's growing imports from Turkey reflect a complementary economic relationship fueled by mutual demand and strong logistics. From high-quality textiles to mineral resources, Turkey continues to be a reliable and strategic trade partner for India. With the potential for an FTA and more bilateral investment, the trade volume between the two countries is expected to surpass US$5 billion in the near future.

Stakeholders in the Indian import industry should consider Turkey as a reliable source for quality goods at competitive prices, especially as global supply chains continue to evolve post-pandemic. Future growth will depend on lowering trade barriers, simplifying logistics, and encouraging deeper business cooperation across industries.