Shipping from the USA to Turkey moves machinery, aircraft parts, electronics, cotton, scrap metal, and agricultural goods from American suppliers to Turkish industry. This guide covers the full picture: ocean and air costs, transit times, the US export filing, Turkish customs clearance through Türkiye Gümrük, the GTİP tariff system, duties and VAT, and the step-by-step process. When you are ready to book, our freight forwarding from the USA to Turkey service runs the lane end to end.
| Method | Indicative cost | Transit (port to port) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean FCL 20ft | $2,200–$3,800 | 18–26 days (East Coast origin) | full loads, machinery |
| Ocean FCL 40ft | $3,000–$5,000 | 18–26 days | high-volume loads |
| Ocean LCL | per CBM | 22–32 days | smaller shipments |
| Air freight | $4–$8 per kg | 1–3 days | urgent, high-value |
Add 3–6 business days for Turkish customs clearance. West Coast origins (Los Angeles) add transit versus the East Coast.
A 20ft container from the US East Coast to Ambarlı or Mersin runs roughly $2,200–$3,800, a 40ft $3,000–$5,000, by season and carrier. LCL is priced per CBM for partial loads. See ocean freight to Turkey.
Air runs about $4–$8 per kg (actual or volumetric, whichever is greater) from US gateways to Istanbul. See air freight to Turkey.
US origin haulage and export handling, destination handling at the Turkish port, customs brokerage, Turkish import duty (by GTİP), and VAT on the CIF value are added. We bill in USD.
| Origin → destination | Mode | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| New York/Newark → Ambarlı (Istanbul) | Ocean | 18–26 days |
| Savannah / Charleston → Mersin | Ocean | 20–28 days |
| Houston → İzmir/Aliağa | Ocean | 24–32 days |
| Los Angeles → Ambarlı / Mersin | Ocean | 32–42 days |
| US gateways → Istanbul (IST) | Air | 1–3 days |
Add 3–6 business days for Turkish customs clearance.
New York/Newark, Savannah, Charleston, Norfolk, and Houston by ocean; Los Angeles/Long Beach for West Coast; JFK, ORD, and ATL for air.
Shipments over $2,500 per Schedule B (or controlled items) require an Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing in AES. Controlled goods may need EAR or ITAR licensing. We handle the AES filing.
Imports clear through Türkiye Gümrük (Turkish Customs). Cargo is classified under the GTİP tariff code; a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and certificate of origin are required. Eligible industrial goods can use EU-Turkey Customs Union routings for onward duty-free EU distribution.
Commercial invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, certificate of origin, AES/EEI filing (where required), and any agency licenses for controlled goods.
Turkish import duty is set by GTİP classification; VAT applies to the CIF value plus duty. Some industrial inputs qualify for concessions under Turkish incentive programs, which a licensed broker can apply for. Correct GTİP classification before shipment is the main lever to avoid holds.
Firearms and ammunition, hazardous materials (IATA/IMDG rules), controlled technology (EAR/ITAR), and certain agricultural or food items require permits or are barred. We screen every shipment before loading.
Export-grade, sea-worthy packaging; palletize where possible; label with consignee, destination, and HS/GTİP code. All-risk cargo insurance is advised on this transatlantic lane and arranged on request.
US exporters often sell FOB or EXW; for door-to-door control into Turkey, DAP or DDP put the forwarder in charge through Turkish customs and final delivery. We advise the Incoterm that fits your risk and cost split.
Machinery and mechanical appliances, aircraft and parts, electronics, cotton and fibers, iron and steel scrap, mineral fuels, and agricultural products.
Pick a forwarder with a dedicated US-Turkey desk, AES filing capability, Türkiye Gümrük and GTİP expertise, EU-Turkey Customs Union know-how, USD billing, and one point of contact across ocean, air, and customs. A single freight forwarder contract beats splitting a US carrier and a Turkish broker.
Interworld Freight, headquartered in Miami, runs the US-Turkey lane both ways with ocean, air, road, AES filing, and Turkish customs clearance under one contract, coordinated by our dedicated Turkey desk. Book the lane on our freight forwarding from the USA to Turkey page, or see the reverse direction, shipping from Turkey to the USA.
Ocean FCL runs about $2,200–$5,000 per container, ocean LCL is per CBM, and air freight $4–$8 per kg. Turkish duty (by GTİP) and VAT are added on the CIF value at clearance. Request an itemized USD quote.
Ocean from the US East Coast to Ambarlı or Mersin is about 18–28 days, plus 3–6 days for Turkish customs. Air freight is 1–3 days.
LCL ocean freight for small loads, FCL once you fill most of a container. Air is fastest but most expensive.
Yes, for shipments over $2,500 per Schedule B line or for controlled goods. We file the EEI in AES for you.
Turkish Customs (Türkiye Gümrük) classifies your cargo under a GTİP tariff code that sets duty; VAT applies on the CIF value. A licensed broker files the entry; we coordinate it.
Yes. Industrial goods that meet origin rules can move duty-free between Turkey and the EU, useful if Turkey is a distribution hub for European delivery.
Mainly Ambarlı (Istanbul), Mersin, and İzmir/Aliağa by ocean, and Istanbul Airport (IST) by air.
Yes. See our guide on shipping from Turkey to the USA and the Turkey to USA forwarding service.