Türkiye pushes EU for lifting transport quotas in trade talks

Türkiye’s Minister of Trade, Omer Bolat, highlighted the country’s ongoing efforts to address EU transit quotas during a speech at the Transportation Corridors and Transit Transportation in the Turkish Century held at TOBB Twin Towers.

The event was attended by Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz and Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu.

Bolat emphasized the critical role of the logistics and transportation sectors, particularly in light of global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the Feb. 6 earthquakes.

Strong performance in trade, exports

Minister Bolat noted Türkiye‘s economic resilience, underscoring the country’s ability to maintain employment and increase exports despite global challenges.

• Türkiye achieved a record of goods and services exports last year.
• The trade deficit narrowed to $73.2 billion over the first 11 months of 2024.
• Türkiye ranks 11th globally in logistics exports, holding a 3% share of the global market.

“We account for 3% of the global logistics export market, ranking 11th worldwide,” Bolat said.

“Services and logistics are very important sectors. We have a 3 percent share of logistics exports in the world, and we rank 11th in the world in this sense. This is a great success. Our paradise homeland is where all the corridors in the world meet. As Türkiye, we are in a key position where every project has to pass through,” he added.

Persistent negotiations with the EU on transport quotas

Bolat addressed ongoing discussions with the EU regarding the removal of road transport quotas, a longstanding point of contention. While EU officials claim this issue falls outside the scope of the Customs Union, Bolat stressed Türkiye’s commitment to persistent negotiations.

“We convey our demand for transit quota liberalization and the removal of quotas in every meeting with the EU. They respond by saying, ‘This issue falls under the scope of transportation and is outside the Customs Union. Therefore, it should be addressed bilaterally with member states. As the European Commission, we provide positive recommendations to member states.’ Thus, we persistently continue this dialogue and negotiation process,” he stated.

Minister Bolat also outlined Türkiye’s goal to increase exports to the EU by 40% over the next five years.