## Company Profile ODEN LOJİSTİK — freight forwarder (Turkey). Contact: Bilal Sirin, Sales & Marketing Manager. Website: https://www.odenlojistik.com/. Public profile indicates a Turkish forwarding company offering international sea and air freight, customs clearance and land transport for exporters and importers. Likely focused on Turkey–Europe and Turkey–MENA corridors, handling agri/food exporters (FCL/LCL), project cargo and door‑to‑door logistics. Scale not publicly disclosed; positioning appears as a regional small‑to‑mid sized forwarder serving Turkish exporters seeking Europe, Middle East and North Africa markets. ## Pain Points 1) Clients exposed to sudden surcharges and schedule unreliability (EFS/BAF and conflict rerouting) which increases claims and makes it hard for Oden to promise JIT lead times to EU/MENA buyers. 2) Agricultural exporters (hazelnut, citrus, fresh produce) face tighter EU traceability/COA requirements and Halal/GFSI certification demands — many lack fast documentation systems, hurting their access to retailer buyers and increasing freight/doc rejection risk that default falls back on their forwarder. 3) Port congestion at Istanbul/Ambarli and the need to reroute via Mersin or alternate ports requires active routing/booking decisions and frequent spot bookings — operational strain for a regional forwarder with limited sales/sourcing reach. ## Intel Summary === MULTI-DIMENSION RESEARCH === === 1. MARKET EVENTS — TURKEY CONTAINER FREIGHT RATES TO EUROPE, Q1–Q2 2026, BLACK SEA / RUSSIA–UKRAINE IMPACT === **Rate levels & direction, Q1–Q2 2026** - Global container freight benchmarks entering 2026 were already down sharply year‑on‑year: Drewry’s World Container Index was around **$1,919 per 40'** on 19 February 2026, **31% lower YoY**. ([maritimenews.com](https://www.maritimenews.com/container-shipping/container-freight-rates-decline-feb-2026?utm_source=openai)) - By April 2026, renewed disruptions pushed the same composite index back up to **$2,309 per 40'**, showing ongoing volatility despite softer structural conditions. ([freightamigo.com](https://www.freightamigo.com/en/blog/logistics/navigating-shipping-delays-and-rising-container-freight-rates-in-2026/?utm_source=openai)) - S&P Global’s 2026 ocean freight outlook notes **“softer rates ahead, but volatility isn’t going anywhere”**, with two scenarios: a smoother reopening of Suez/Red Sea routing versus renewed disruption that keeps rates elevated. ([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/2026/02/2026-ocean-freight-outlook-softer-rates-ahead-but-volatility-is-not-going-anywhere?utm_source=openai)) **Turkey–Europe lane indications (spot levels, Turkey main ports)** - A live Turkey shipping dashboard in late May 2026 shows: - **Mersin–Hamburg (FCL 40')** quoted in the **$1,600–2,200** range, port‑to‑port. ([canxansa.com](https://canxansa.com/shipping-signals/?utm_source=openai)) - Turkey–EU rates have followed the global pattern: easing through late 2025, modest firming into **Q1 2026** on seasonal demand and conflict‑related rerouting, and some renewed upward pressure from April 2026 alongside the Drewry WCI rebound. ([canxansa.com](https://canxansa.com/shipping-signals/?utm_source=openai)) **Black Sea / Russia–Ukraine conflict and corridor effects** - The Russia‑Ukraine war has structurally reduced Ukraine’s container and grain flows through the Black Sea: - Ukrainian container trade via Odessa “collapsed” from 2022 onwards, shifting more regional flows to Turkish ports, especially Ambarli, which is described as a **Turkey–Europe gateway handling 70–80% Turkey–Europe volume**. ([content.ballastmarkets.com](https://content.ballastmarkets.com/ports/ambarli/?utm_source=openai)) - A late‑2025 railfreight report covering the extended Black Sea–Central Europe logistics chain notes: - **Poti–Istanbul leg** saw steeper rate declines due to exposure to deep‑sea rate movements. - **Ambarli port tariffs fell 1.5–2%** by October 2025 versus earlier in the year, as competition and easing congestion drove prices down. ([index.maxmodal.com](https://index.maxmodal.com/wd_docs/msri-railfreight-monthly-report-051125.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Despite some tariff relief, S&P Global warns that **geopolitical routing risks (Black Sea, Red Sea)**, and port congestion will continue to constrain “effective capacity” through 2026, meaning sudden surcharges and schedule unreliability remain likely for Turkey‑Europe trades. ([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/2026/02/2026-ocean-freight-outlook-softer-rates-ahead-but-volatility-is-not-going-anywhere?utm_source=openai)) **Port‑specific conditions: Istanbul / Ambarli vs Mersin** - **Ambarli (Istanbul region)** - Handles the majority of Turkey–Europe container flows; significant volumes from the Black Sea (Russia, Romania, Bulgaria) also funnel through Ambarli for Mediterranean/Europe distribution. ([content.ballastmarkets.com](https://content.ballastmarkets.com/ports/ambarli/?utm_source=openai)) - However, **severe road congestion in Istanbul** raises total logistics costs by an estimated **15–25%** compared with less congested ports like Tekirdag or Mersin, due to truck delays and last‑mile inefficiencies. ([content.ballastmarkets.com](https://content.ballastmarkets.com/ports/ambarli/?utm_source=openai)) - Competitive pressure reduced port tariffs slightly (‑1.5 to ‑2% in late 2025), but congestion‑driven inland costs still erode those benefits. ([index.maxmodal.com](https://index.maxmodal.com/wd_docs/msri-railfreight-monthly-report-051125.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - **Mersin (Mediterranean)** - Considered structurally less congested than Istanbul; often used for Mediterranean, North Africa, and Europe connections. The same Ambarli analysis notes Mersin’s smaller‑city environment as a **logistics cost advantage** relative to Istanbul. ([content.ballastmarkets.com](https://content.ballastmarkets.com/ports/ambarli/?utm_source=openai)) - Live market signals show healthy volumes and rate activity on **Mersin–Europe** and **Mersin–Middle East** lanes (e.g., Mersin–Hamburg, Mersin–Jeddah), suggesting capacity availability but at volatile price points. ([canxansa.com](https://canxansa.com/shipping-signals/?utm_source=openai)) **Surcharges and bunker / fuel cost pass‑throughs** - MSC updated its **Emergency Fuel Surcharge (EFS)** on 23 March 2026 for trades involving Northern Europe, the North East Mediterranean, and intra‑Europe/Black Sea, including Turkey. The EFS adjustment is specifically for **Europe & Black Sea corridors**, with base freight terms left unchanged. ([container-news.com](https://container-news.com/msc-updates-emergency-fuel-surcharge-for-europe-black-sea/?utm_source=openai)) - In practice, Turkish shippers to Europe are thus exposed to: - Base ocean rate swings (driven by global capacity and demand), plus - Variable **EFS / BAF** line‑item changes driven by fuel and routing around conflict zones (Black Sea security, Red Sea detours). **Operational impacts for Turkish exporters (Q1–Q2 2026)** - With global composite rates down ~30% YoY but rebounding since February, and with **local port tariff reductions at Ambarli offset by inland congestion**, exporters are seeing: - Lower average sea freight invoices than in 2022–2023 peaks, - But **higher schedule risk, more frequent surcharges**, and - A growing incentive to route through **Mersin or alternative Turkish/Greek ports** for some Europe and Med lanes where road access is easier. ([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/2026/02/2026-ocean-freight-outlook-softer-rates-ahead-but-volatility-is-not-going-anywhere?utm_source=openai)) **Sources (Dimension 1)**: ([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/2026/02/2026-ocean-freight-outlook-softer-rates-ahead-but-volatility-is-not-going-anywhere?utm_source=openai)) === 2. COMMODITY TRENDS — TURKISH AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS 2026 (HAZELNUT, CITRUS, FRESH PRODUCE INCLUDING TOMATOES & PEPPERS) === **Overall agricultural export context** - Turkey remains among the **top 10 global agricultural producers**, with agriculture providing around **10% of exports** and over 5% of GDP; it is the world’s largest producer of **hazelnuts** and a major exporter of fruits and vegetables, including citrus, tomatoes, and peppers. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agriculture_in_Turkey?utm_source=openai)) --- #### 2.1 Hazelnuts **Production & export volumes** - Severe weather in 2025 (frosts and storms) cut hazelnut yields by an estimated **40%**, reducing national production to **441,000 tons** from **717,000 tons in 2024**. ([turkiyetoday.com](https://www.turkiyetoday.com/business/turkiyes-hazelnut-exports-plunge-31-in-2026-as-bad-weather-affects-harvest-3219768?utm_source=openai)) - As a result, 2025 calendar‑year hazelnut exports fell **26.4%** to **238,704 tons**, down from **324,438 tons in 2024**. ([turkiyetoday.com](https://www.turkiyetoday.com/business/turkiyes-hazelnut-exports-plunge-31-in-2026-as-bad-weather-affects-harvest-3219768?utm_source=openai)) - For **January–April 2026**, hazelnut export volume dropped further to **71,315 tons**, a **31% decline** versus the same period a year earlier, but higher prices pushed **export revenue up 17% to $990.9 million**. ([turkiyetoday.com](https://www.turkiyetoday.com/business/turkiyes-hazelnut-exports-plunge-31-in-2026-as-bad-weather-affects-harvest-3219768?utm_source=openai)) **Price levels and outlook** - The combination of a 31% volume drop and a 17% revenue increase implies a **unit value rise of roughly 70%+** year‑on‑year for early 2026 shipments (directionally; exact unit prices by grade are not reported). ([turkiyetoday.com](https://www.turkiyetoday.com/business/turkiyes-hazelnut-exports-plunge-31-in-2026-as-bad-weather-affects-harvest-3219768?utm_source=openai)) - Sector representatives cited in the same report expect hazelnut production to **rebound to around 829,239 tons in the 2026/27 season**, which would more than reverse the 2025 shortfall and should ease price pressure later in 2026/27 if realised. ([turkiyetoday.com](https://www.turkiyetoday.com/business/turkiyes-hazelnut-exports-plunge-31-in-2026-as-bad-weather-affects-harvest-3219768?utm_source=openai)) **Market destinations** - The EU remains the dominant buyer of Turkish hazelnuts (Germany, Italy, France, etc.) for confectionery and bakery industries, with additional demand growth in **MENA and East Asia**; the strong early‑2026 revenue despite weak volumes reflects firm demand from these processing sectors. ([turkiyetoday.com](https://www.turkiyetoday.com/business/turkiyes-hazelnut-exports-plunge-31-in-2026-as-bad-weather-affects-harvest-3219768?utm_source=openai)) --- #### 2.2 Citrus **Export trends for 2025/26** - USDA’s January 2026 citrus outlook for the **2025/26 season** notes that **global lemon/lime exports from Turkey and Argentina are down**, with Turkey specifically expected to ship **lower volumes** due to reduced production and strong domestic use. ([apps.fas.usda.gov](https://apps.fas.usda.gov/psdonline/circulars/citrus.pdf?_bhlid=c76797d9d988ef900fbdd28c262f69399ae775ef&utm_source=openai)) - For oranges and mandarins, Turkey remains an important Northern Hemisphere exporter to **Russia, Ukraine’s substitute markets, the EU, and the Middle East**, but detailed 2026 volume figures per product from official Turkish sources have not yet been fully published; preliminary trade commentary suggests **modest declines in EU‑bound citrus** but **stable to slightly rising shipments to the Middle East and North Africa** as those regions prioritise competitively priced fresh fruit. ([apps.fas.usda.gov](https://apps.fas.usda.gov/psdonline/circulars/citrus.pdf?_bhlid=c76797d9d988ef900fbdd28c262f69399ae775ef&utm_source=openai)) **Demand by region** - **EU**: Facing lower own production in some citrus categories, the EU continues to import from Turkey but is slightly rebalancing away from suppliers with pesticide‑residue issues; citrus from Turkey is under tighter monitoring for **MRL compliance** and **phytosanitary quality**, which shapes which exporters can maintain access. ([agriculture.ec.europa.eu](https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/data-and-analysis/markets/overviews/market-observatories/fruit-and-vegetables/citrus-fruit-statistics_en?prefLang=hu&utm_source=openai)) - **MENA / West Africa**: Turkish citrus is increasingly competitive in **Middle East, North Africa and West Africa** due to freight proximity vs. Southern Hemisphere suppliers and flexible payment terms; in these regions, price sensitivity is high but certification demands are less strict than in the EU. --- #### 2.3 Fresh vegetables: tomatoes & peppers (combining available 2025/26 intelligence; official 2026 Turkey export stats by individual product lag in publication) **Volumes and directional trends** - Turkey is a leading exporter of **fresh tomatoes and peppers** to the EU (especially Eastern Europe), Russia/near‑abroad, and the Middle East. The EU’s agri‑food trade statistics show **edible vegetables (HS 07) exports declining 13% year‑on‑year in 2025**, while **edible fruits & nuts (HS 08) rose ~14%**. Although this is EU exports, it signals changing import demand patterns in Turkey’s key markets and competition for shelf space. ([agriculture.ec.europa.eu](https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2023-05/agrifood-near-and-middle-eastern-countries_en.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Trade commentary for early 2026 (industry press and Turkish export associations summarized in secondary sources) indicates: - **Tomatoes**: stable or slightly lower export volumes into the **EU** due to price competition from Morocco and Spain, with more Turkish tomatoes diverted to **Russia, the Gulf, and North Africa**. - **Peppers**: niche but growing demand in **Gulf markets (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar)** and **West Africa**, which value Turkish supply for year‑round availability and comparatively short transit times. (Quantitative 2026 tonnage still limited in public sources; we mainly have directional guidance.) **Price and margin environment** - With global container rates lower than 2022 peaks and some relief on Turkey–Europe lanes, exporters of low‑margin fresh produce (tomatoes/peppers) are capturing a small logistics‑cost win; however, this is offset by: - rising input costs (energy, fertiliser, labour), and - higher compliance costs for **MRL, pesticide monitoring and traceability**, especially for EU‑oriented producers. ([freightamigo.com](https://www.freightamigo.com/en/blog/logistics/navigating-shipping-delays-and-rising-container-freight-rates-in-2026/?utm_source=openai)) **Regional demand snapshot (2026)** - **EU**: - Fresh vegetable consumption is structurally under pressure, but retail and food‑service continue to seek **year‑round supply of tomatoes and peppers**. EU’s citrus and vegetable dashboards indicate **ongoing import reliance** for off‑season supply, where Turkey competes with Morocco, Egypt and Spain. ([agriculture.ec.europa.eu](https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/data-and-analysis/markets/overviews/market-observatories/fruit-and-vegetables/citrus-fruit-statistics_en?prefLang=hu&utm_source=openai)) - **Middle East & North Africa (MENA)**: - High urbanisation and a large HoReCa sector keep demand robust for affordable fresh produce. Turkish exporters focus on **short transit lanes (e.g., Mersin–Jeddah, Mersin–Alexandria)**, leveraging 3–7 day sea lead times to maintain freshness. ([canxansa.com](https://canxansa.com/shipping-signals/?utm_source=openai)) - **West Africa**: - Still a smaller destination, but there is **emerging demand for Turkish peppers, tomatoes, and citrus** in coastal West African states, often supplied through **transshipment hubs in the Med** and secondary distribution via North African traders; current evidence is mostly anecdotal in B2B trade guidance and shipping‑line commentary rather than official stats. **Sources (Dimension 2)**: ([turkiyetoday.com](https://www.turkiyetoday.com/business/turkiyes-hazelnut-exports-plunge-31-in-2026-as-bad-weather-affects-harvest-3219768?utm_source=openai)) === 3. DEMAND SIGNALS — 2026 BUYER REQUIREMENTS (EUROPE & MIDDLE EAST), TRACEABILITY, CERTIFICATIONS, LEAD TIMES & IMPACT ON TURKISH EXPORTERS === --- #### 3.1 Food traceability & certification expectations (EU focus) **Regulatory drivers** - The EU is progressively tightening **food safety and traceability** requirements, including: - Strict maximum levels for **mycotoxins (DON)** in cereal‑based foods (e.g., **<750 ppb DON**) and limits like **lead <0.10 mg/kg in olive oil** and **ochratoxin A <10 ppb in dried vine fruits**, which indirectly affect Turkish exporters of grains, dried fruits, and oils. ([fromturk.net](https://fromturk.net/blog/import-turkish-food-products-2026?utm_source=openai)) - Ongoing enhancement of traceability under the **General Food Law** and **Official Controls Regulation**, plus emerging sustainability‑linked reporting (e.g., due diligence, deforestation rules, though the latter are more relevant to nuts, coffee, cocoa, etc.). ([agriculture.ec.europa.eu](https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/document/download/f7f2ff54-cf54-432f-9e52-b5fca9976d71_en?filename=agricultural-outlook-2024-executive-summary_en.pdf&prefLang=es&utm_source=openai)) - Buyers now typically expect exporters to be able to **trace each shipment back to farm or producer lot**, supported by: - **Certificates of Analysis (COAs)** with batch‑specific lab results, - Digital or at least structured records that can be produced quickly in case of recall. ([lezzafoods.eu](https://lezzafoods.eu/a-practical-b2b-guide-for-baklava-wholesale/?utm_source=openai)) **Buyer‑side standards** - For processed and packaged Turkish food products heading to EU retailers, import guides and B2B advisory content highlight that buyers usually require: - **GFSI‑recognised food‑safety schemes** such as BRCGS, IFS, FSSC 22000, or ISO 22000; - **HACCP** systematically implemented and audited; - For certain categories, **Halal or Kosher certification** (with clear definition of scope down to product/SKU level). ([fromturk.net](https://fromturk.net/blog/import-turkish-food-products-2026?utm_source=openai)) - Documentation bundles for EU‑bound shipments typically include: - Commercial invoice & packing list, - **Health Certificate** from the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture, - **Certificate of Origin** (EUR.1) for preferential access under the Customs Union, - **Phytosanitary Certificate** for plant‑origin products, - **Halal/Kosher certificates** where demanded, - COA and, when relevant, **fumigation certificates**. ([fromturk.net](https://fromturk.net/blog/import-turkish-food-products-2026?utm_source=openai)) **Implications for Turkish exporters** - Exporters serving EU retailers need to: - Invest in **laboratory testing and documentation systems** to provide COAs per lot, - Implement or upgrade **traceability software** (often ERP/WMS integrated) to track from farm to container, - Maintain **up‑to‑date certification portfolios (GFSI schemes, Halal, Kosher)** that match specific buyer SKUs and plants. ([fromturk.net](https://fromturk.net/blog/import-turkish-food-products-2026?utm_source=openai)) - Those unable to provide quick, verifiable traceability are increasingly **pushed out of retailer‑grade supply chains** and may end up selling to lower‑spec markets or via intermediaries. --- #### 3.2 Middle East buyer requirements (GCC & wider region) **Certification & quality expectations** - Middle Eastern B2B buyer guides emphasise: - **Halal certification** as a baseline for many product categories, especially meat, poultry, confectionery, snacks and ingredients, - Rising interest in **ISO 22000/FSSC 22000** and HACCP among major importers and food‑service chains, - Demand for **clear and complete product documentation** mirroring EU requirements (health certificate, COA, origin, etc.), especially in GCC ports where controls have been tightened in recent years. ([fromturk.net](https://fromturk.net/blog/import-turkish-food-products-2026?utm_source=openai)) - However, compared with the EU, many Middle Eastern buyers are: - Slightly more flexible on **MRL and contaminant thresholds** (subject to national laws), - More focused on **organoleptic quality, shelf life, packaging integrity**, and **Halal compliance** than on sustainability metrics. **Trade documentation & payment behaviour** - B2B guidance for 2026 warns Middle Eastern and global buyers to avoid Turkish suppliers insisting on **100% advance T/T payment** without verifiable trade references, recommending safer terms like **LCs, partial prepayments, or escrow**. ([fromturk.net](https://fromturk.net/blog/import-turkish-food-products-2026?utm_source=openai)) - This reflects a maturing buyer base that expects: - **Professional contract structures**, - Transparent Incoterms and delivery windows, - Reliable **after‑sales and claims handling**. --- #### 3.3 Lead times & “just‑in‑time” sourcing **Current lead time benchmarks** - A recent B2B guide for wholesale baklava (as a proxy example for frozen/processed Turkish foods) quantifies lead times from Gaziantep to Northern Europe: - Production lead time + sea transit via Turkish port + intra‑EU trucking produce a typical **3–5 week total lead time** from order confirmation to delivery. ([lezzafoods.eu](https://lezzafoods.eu/a-practical-b2b-guide-for-baklava-wholesale/?utm_source=openai)) - For fresh produce, practical lead times are shorter in calendar days but more complex operationally; for example, **Mersin–EU North ports** may have port‑to‑port transits of around **7–14 days**, plus consolidation and inland legs. This is consistent with live FCL rate and routing data for Mersin–Hamburg and regional lanes. ([canxansa.com](https://canxansa.com/shipping-signals/?utm_source=openai)) **Buyer demands for shorter and more reliable lead times** - European and Middle Eastern buyers are pushing towards **more frequent, smaller shipments and shorter planning cycles**, driven by: - Retailers’ inventory‑light strategies, - Volatile consumer demand and promotions, - Concern over geopolitical disruptions (Red Sea, Black Sea). ([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/2026/02/2026-ocean-freight-outlook-softer-rates-ahead-but-volatility-is-not-going-anywhere?utm_source=openai)) - This translates into concrete expectations from Turkish suppliers: - **Firm, realistic lead time commitments** (e.g., 3–5 weeks for frozen products; 7–14 days for fresh to nearby markets), - Ability to **ship weekly or bi‑weekly** rather than only full‑season blocks, - Fast response to **spot replenishment orders** when shelf‑out risks arise. **Impact of freight volatility on JIT** - Geopolitical tensions (Black Sea and Red Sea), capacity constraints, and periodic port congestion are making just‑in‑time sourcing more challenging: - April 2026 saw container freight volatility with the **SCFI up 35.6% YoY** and the Drewry WCI rebounding to **$2,309 per FEU**, signalling rising cost and schedule risk even as base rates were structurally lower than 2022 peaks. ([freightamigo.com](https://www.freightamigo.com/en/blog/logistics/navigating-shipping-delays-and-rising-container-freight-rates-in-2026/?utm_source=openai)) - Buyers are therefore asking Turkish exporters to provide: - **Alternative routing options** (e.g., switching between Ambarli, Mersin, and other Med ports), - **Safety‑stock strategies** (e.g., frozen/ambient backup in EU or GCC warehouses) to complement nominal JIT flows. --- #### 3.4 Overall impact on Turkish exporters (EU + Middle East) **Operational and commercial adjustments** To remain competitive and aligned with 2026 buyer signals, Turkish food and agri exporters increasingly need to: 1. **Invest in compliance & traceability systems** - Digital traceability from farm to shipment; capability to produce COAs and documents within 24–48 hours for audits or issues. ([fromturk.net](https://fromturk.net/blog/import-turkish-food-products-2026?utm_source=openai)) 2. **Maintain multi‑certification portfolios** - For EU: GFSI‑aligned schemes (BRCGS, IFS, FSSC 22000), HACCP, possibly sustainability certifications where demanded. - For Middle East: **Halal plus robust food‑safety certification** (ISO 22000/FSSC 22000) as a competitive differentiator. ([fromturk.net](https://fromturk.net/blog/import-turkish-food-products-2026?utm_source=openai)) 3. **Offer flexible logistics and lead‑time configurations** - Use **Mersin and other less‑congested ports** to avoid Istanbul’s 15–25% congestion cost penalty for road legs where possible. ([content.ballastmarkets.com](https://content.ballastmarkets.com/ports/ambarli/?utm_source=openai)) - Provide multiple sailings per month and realistic lead times, with capacity for expedited or partial shipments. ([lezzafoods.eu](https://lezzafoods.eu/a-practical-b2b-guide-for-baklava-wholesale/?utm_source=openai)) 4. **Strengthen commercial transparency** - Clear payment terms, Incoterms, and claims processes — especially important for Middle East and West African buyers wary of advance‑payment risk, as highlighted in 2026 import guides. ([fromturk.net](https://fromturk.net/blog/import-turkish-food-products-2026?utm_source=openai)) Exporters that can align with these traceability, certification, and lead‑time expectations are best placed to capture growing demand for Turkish hazelnuts, citrus, and fresh produce in both **EU** and **MENA/West Africa** despite logistics volatility. **Sources (Dimension 3)**: ([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/2026/02/2026-ocean-freight-outlook-softer-rates-ahead-but-volatility-is-not-going-anywhere?utm_source=openai))