EU and Türkiye advance trade cooperation under customs union framework

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EU and Türkiye trade cooperation

Highlights

EU and Türkiye advance Customs Union modernization talks, with EU Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič highlighting Türkiye as the bloc's fifth-largest trade partner at over 4% of total goods trade.
Türkiye implements transparency measures to TAREKS import control system, reducing barriers and improving export processes for EU businesses.
EU and Türkiye sign Mutual Recognition Agreement for Authorised Economic Operator programmes, enabling trusted traders to move goods faster and enhancing customs cooperation.

Brussels talks target trade barriers

As reported by the European Commission, the dialogue centers on closer EU-Türkiye trade cooperation, with Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič saying businesses on both sides strongly support modernising the Customs Union.

Šefčovič says Türkiye is the EU's fifth-largest trade partner, accounting for more than 4% of all EU trade in goods, with motor vehicles, machinery and electrical equipment among the leading sectors. He also says the EU remains by far Türkiye's largest investor, providing more than half of all foreign direct investment.

The commissioner says both sides are working to address remaining obstacles flagged by companies, following a roundtable with EU and Turkish business representatives. He adds that firms are also seeking closer cooperation on green and digital transitions.

Customs measures support faster flows

One concrete outcome from the talks is the removal of an important barrier linked to Türkiye's import control system, TAREKS. According to Šefčovič, Türkiye has implemented several transparency measures intended to make the system easier for EU exporters to use.

The two sides have also agreed a Mutual Recognition Agreement on their Authorised Economic Operator programmes, which is being published in the EU's official journal on Tuesday. Under the arrangement, each side recognizes the other's trusted traders, allowing goods deemed safe by both parties to cross borders faster.

Šefčovič says the agreement marks a step forward for smoother trade flows and customs cooperation within the current Customs Union framework, while discussions continue on remaining technical issues.

Boeing’s September delivery and order surge highlighted growing commercial demand, including a major Turkish Airlines deal. Our earlier coverage noted that Boeing delivered 57 aircraft in the month and booked a sharp rise in new orders, driven in part by Turkish Airlines’ purchase of 100 737 MAX jets—an indicator of strengthening cross-border business links with Türkiye.

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