## Company Profile BERTAN LOGISTICS INDUSTRY AND FOREIGN TRADE LTD — freight forwarder based in Türkiye (website: http://www.bertanlogistics.com). Publicly available profile is limited; typical services for Turkish forwarders of this type include sea/air/road freight forwarding, customs clearance, warehousing, domestic trucking and project cargo services with focus on exports from Marmara/Istanbul ports to EU, MENA and Africa. Likely positioned as a regional forwarder serving Turkish exporters (textiles, agro‑food such as hazelnuts and vegetable oils, construction materials) and importers, leveraging Istanbul/Marmara hubs and short‑sea connections to MENA/North Africa. Scale: small–mid sized forwarder (no public turnover data); commercial email listed: operation@bertanlogistics.com. ## Pain Points 1) Acute route and equipment disruption: Red Sea security and longer Cape routings in 2025–26 are lengthening transit times, creating container equipment imbalances and causing volatile spot rates. For Bertan this means difficulty guaranteeing promised ETAs and higher repositioning/war‑risk costs for clients (especially Asia imports and MENA/Africa exports). 2) Exporter documentation & compliance burden: Turkish exporters require ATR/EUR.1/IPR handling plus SPS certificates; since CBAM’s full phase began in 2026, forwarders face extra emissions data collection and reporting obligations on top of customs paperwork — increasing administration, margin pressure and IT integration needs. 3) Need to open or scale non‑EU lanes quickly: Weak EU demand and diversion to US, MENA and Africa means clients want new buyers and shorter lead times to diversify. Bertan needs a low‑effort channel to originate pre‑qualified buyers/importers and to coordinate multimodal delivery under current volatility. ## Intel Summary === MULTI-DIMENSION RESEARCH === === 1. [MARKET EVENTS] === Turkey 2026 export flows to EU, MENA and Africa; transshipment via Istanbul & Black Sea; corridor changes for forwarders --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- **Overall export orientation in 2025–26** - In 2024, about **41–45%** of Türkiye’s goods exports went to the **EU-27**, ~**25–30%** to **MENA**, and roughly **10%** to **Africa** (rest to UK, US, CIS, Asia). Recent 2025/26 sector data (textiles, hazelnuts) confirm the EU remains the dominant demand center for higher‑value manufactures and agro‑food products. ([trbusinessworld.com](https://trbusinessworld.com/en/2026/05/02/turkiye-textile-and-apparel-export-trends/?utm_source=openai)) - The **EU–Türkiye Customs Union** continues to give zero‑tariff access for most industrial products, reinforcing EU‑bound flows and making Türkiye a near‑shoring platform for EU supply chains in apparel, automotive parts, and processed foods. ([kenax.tr](https://kenax.tr/36148/textile-exports-2025/?utm_source=openai)) **EU flows and 2026 developments** - In textiles and apparel (a good proxy for manufactured exports overall), EU remains the **“most significant and stable export destination”** in 2025–26. However, **exports to the EU fell 6.3%** in the first 9 months of 2025 to **€4.8 billion**, reflecting weak EU demand and cost pressures. ([trbusinessworld.com](https://trbusinessworld.com/en/2026/05/02/turkiye-textile-and-apparel-export-trends/?utm_source=openai)) - Apparel exports overall dropped from **$13.5 billion to $12.7 billion** (Jan–Sep 2025), whereas shipments to the **US remained broadly stable**, which implies a **relative shift away from the EU** towards non‑EU destinations (US, MENA) even as the EU keeps its top share. ([trbusinessworld.com](https://trbusinessworld.com/en/2026/05/02/turkiye-textile-and-apparel-export-trends/?utm_source=openai)) **MENA & Africa flows (directional)** - Freight forwarder corridor maps and marketing in 2025–26 highlight **road and short‑sea routes from Türkiye to GCC (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar)** and **Levant/North Africa** (Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Morocco) as core business lanes, indicating resilient or growing MENA trade. Transit times quoted: **Türkiye–GCC by road 5–10 days**, **Mersin–East Med/Adriatic by short‑sea 3–5 days**. ([turkfreight.com](https://turkfreight.com/?utm_source=openai)) - Forwarders advertise **Türkiye–UAE** and **Türkiye–North Africa** lanes as key corridors in 2026 marketing, which suggests continued investment in south‑bound capacity despite Red Sea disruptions (see Dimension 3). ([keyforwarding.com](https://keyforwarding.com/en/?utm_source=openai)) - For **Africa**, trade statistics still show relatively modest but increasing Turkish penetration, especially **North Africa** (Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia) and select **Sub‑Saharan markets** (Nigeria, South Africa) for construction materials, textiles, foodstuffs and white goods; recent 2025/26 qualitative reports stress Africa as a “growth frontier” linked to Istanbul’s hub role, but hard 2026 numbers by region are not yet fully published. **Istanbul, Marmara ports & Black Sea as 2026 container transshipment hubs** - Logistics and liner marketing in 2026 explicitly position **Port of Istanbul** (Ambarlı/Kumport complex) as a **“leading logistics hub in 2026”** with **18 m draught** capable of handling mainline ultra‑large container vessels, and providing FCL/LCL connectivity between **Far East – Türkiye – Europe/MENA**. ([neelevat.com](https://www.neelevat.com/ocean-freight/container-transport-istanbul/?utm_source=openai)) - Istanbul Airport (IST) is promoted as a **global air cargo hub** connecting **120+ countries and 1.4 billion people within a four‑hour radius**, used heavily for high‑value textiles, defense parts and perishable agro‑food exports. ([turkfreight.com](https://turkfreight.com/?utm_source=openai)) - Black Sea–focused forwarders (e.g., Catoni) emphasize **transit cargo to CIS and Central Asia via the Black Sea and Georgia**, confirming continued use of **Black Sea feeder and Ro‑Ro routes** as an alternative to longer Eurasian land corridors and congested Russian routes. ([catoni.com.tr](https://www.catoni.com.tr/our-services/freight-forwarding-solutions?utm_source=openai)) **Corridor shifts & Middle Corridor emphasis (2025–26)** - Turkish and regional forwarders actively market the **“Middle Corridor” rail/road route Asia ↔ Türkiye ↔ EU** with **16–20 day transit times**, promoted as a way to **“avoid sea bottlenecks”** (Panama, Suez/Red Sea) and stabilize Asia–EU flows. ([turkfreight.com](https://turkfreight.com/?utm_source=openai)) - UNCTAD’s 2024 Review of Maritime Transport notes heavy disruptions at **Red Sea/Suez** and **Panama Canal**, prompting carriers and shippers to diversify via **Mediterranean/Black Sea hubs** and overland Eurasian routes. This tends to **benefit Turkish ports** as intermediate transshipment/relay nodes for East–West trade in 2025–26. ([unctad.org](https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/rmt2024ch1_en.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Regional forwarders highlight **road and Ro‑Ro services from Turkish Mediterranean ports (Mersin, İskenderun) and Marmara ports** into Europe and MENA, reinforcing Türkiye’s role as a flexible **short‑sea + land bridge** amidst ocean‑route instability. ([catoni.com.tr](https://www.catoni.com.tr/our-services/freight-forwarding-solutions?utm_source=openai)) **Implications for 2026 export flows** - **EU**: Still the anchor market; some **volume decline** in key sectors (textiles/hazelnuts) but **higher value per unit** and continued near‑shoring support overall export revenue. - **MENA**: Corridor‑level evidence (road/short‑sea, Turkey–GCC/UAE lanes) points to **resilient or growing flows**, particularly for construction inputs, FMCG and textiles. - **Africa**: Gradual expansion, especially North Africa, facilitated by **short‑sea from Mersin and Marmara** and by Turkish contractors/retailers expanding south. - **Transshipment**: Istanbul/Marmara and Black Sea ports are consolidating their role as **regional transshipment and relay hubs**, particularly via the **Middle Corridor** and **Black Sea–CIS routes**, in response to global route disruptions. Sources: ([trbusinessworld.com](https://trbusinessworld.com/en/2026/05/02/turkiye-textile-and-apparel-export-trends/?utm_source=openai)) === 2. [COMMODITY TRENDS] === Turkey hazelnut & sunflower oil exports 2026 (price & volume trends); textiles/apparel export demand & destination shifts ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- **Hazelnuts – 2025/26 season and early 2026** - Türkiye supplies roughly **70% of global hazelnut output**. The **2025 crop** suffered severe frost in April 2025, sharply reducing production. ([heliosingredients.com](https://heliosingredients.com/hazelnut-market-update-april-2026/?utm_source=openai)) - Export season Sep 2025–Mar 2026: - Turkish hazelnut **export volumes were ~104,762 MT**, **down ~50%** vs ~205,934 MT a year earlier. ([heliosingredients.com](https://heliosingredients.com/hazelnut-market-update-april-2026/?utm_source=openai)) - **January 2026 market report** (Arslantürk) projected **210,000–220,000 tons of shelled exports** (equivalent **420,000–440,000 tons in‑shell**) for the full 2025/26 season, with **domestic consumption ~100,000 tons in‑shell**. ([arslanturk.com.tr](https://www.arslanturk.com.tr/2026-january-hazelnut-market-report/?utm_source=openai)) - Spot/export prices: - August 2025, new‑crop **11–13 mm natural kernels** started around **$12,700/ton (≈€10,310/ton)** FOB. ([arslanturk.com.tr](https://www.arslanturk.com.tr/2026-january-hazelnut-market-report/?utm_source=openai)) - In early 2026, despite much lower volumes, **export revenue for Jan–Apr 2026 rose 17% YoY to $990.9 million**, with shipment volume **down 31% to 71,315 tons**; this implies a **strong increase in average unit prices**. ([turkiyetoday.com](https://www.turkiyetoday.com/business/turkiyes-hazelnut-exports-plunge-31-in-2026-as-bad-weather-affects-harvest-3219768?utm_source=openai)) - Among major destinations, **Poland** recorded the highest average export price **$15.94/kg**, followed by **Brazil $15.47/kg** in early 2026 trade. ([turkiyetoday.com](https://www.turkiyetoday.com/business/turkiyes-hazelnut-exports-plunge-31-in-2026-as-bad-weather-affects-harvest-3219768?utm_source=openai)) - Directionally: **tight supply + strong demand** (especially from EU confectionery and chocolate) are supporting **elevated prices through 2026**, with some signs of price stabilisation, but no return to prior‑year low price levels yet. ([heliosingredients.com](https://heliosingredients.com/hazelnut-market-update-april-2026/?utm_source=openai)) **Sunflower oil – Trade and price/regulatory trends into 2026** - The **USDA Oilseeds and Products Annual (April 2026)** for Türkiye reports that the government re‑introduced **tariff‑rate quotas (TRQs) with zero in‑quota tariffs** for sunflower seed and crude oil **from 1 Jan to 31 May 2026** to prevent domestic price spikes and shortages after drought and regional supply shocks: ([apps.fas.usda.gov](https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/Report/DownloadReportByFileName?fileName=Oilseeds+and+Products+Annual_Ankara_Turkiye_TU2026-0009.pdf&utm_source=openai)) - HS **1206.00.99.00.19 – Sunflower seed**: **1 million metric tons (MMT) quota**, MFN bound rate 27%, **in‑quota tariff 0%**, **out‑of‑quota 12%**. - HS **1512.11.91.00.00 – Crude sunflower oil**: **400,000 MT quota**, MFN bound 36%, **in‑quota tariff 20%**, **out‑of‑quota 30%**. - The report equates **1 MMT of sunflower seed ≈ 400,000 MT of crude oil**. - These measures effectively **encourage imports** to stabilise local crushing and refining, and tend to **limit export availability of crude oil**, pushing Türkiye further towards **value‑added refined/bottled exports** where margins are higher. - Global sunflower oil price benchmarks (CIF EU, FOB Black Sea) rose through late 2025 on logistics disruptions (war in Ukraine, Red Sea crisis), but started **easing somewhat by early 2026** as crops in Argentina and other origins recovered; however, volatility remains elevated. Türkiye’s export prices track this but are also shaped by TRQs and TRY volatility. ([apps.fas.usda.gov](https://apps.fas.usda.gov/psdonline/circulars/oilseeds.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Turkey textile & apparel exports – 2025–26 demand and destination shifts** - 2025 headline exports (textile + apparel): - **Textile (yarn, fabric, raw materials): ~$9.4 billion**, down **0.8% YoY**. - **Apparel/ready‑to‑wear: $16.77 billion**, down **6.3% YoY**. - Combined **$26.18 billion**, a **4.4% decline** vs 2024. ([kenax.tr](https://kenax.tr/36148/textile-exports-2025/?utm_source=openai)) - Early 2026 performance: - **Apparel exports Jan–Feb 2026**: **$2.599 billion**, **down 2.88% YoY**, extending a **three‑year downward trend** amid weak EU demand and rising costs. Around **70% of apparel exports still go to the EU**, so EU demand softness has a direct impact. ([texadviser.com](https://www.texadviser.com/turkiyes-apparel-exports-ease-2-8-in-jan-feb-2026/?utm_source=openai)) - Destination shifts: - 2025 data show **exports to the EU down 6.3% (to €4.8 billion) in the first 9 months of 2025**, with **US shipments remaining stable**, indicating a **relative rebalancing towards non‑EU markets** (US, UK, Middle East). ([trbusinessworld.com](https://trbusinessworld.com/en/2026/05/02/turkiye-textile-and-apparel-export-trends/?utm_source=openai)) - Sector analyses in 2026 describe a **“declining textile market”** driven by weakened EU retail demand, increased competition from Asia, and domestic cost inflation; however, Türkiye retains a strong position as a **near‑shore, quick‑response supplier** particularly for fast fashion and technical textiles. ([fibre2fashion.com](https://www.fibre2fashion.com/resources/11276/turkey-s-declining-textile-market-reasons-and-possible-solutions-for-2026?utm_source=openai)) - Product & value trends: - Exporters are shifting towards **higher‑value, sustainable and technical textiles** (recycled fibers, organic cotton, performance fabrics) to maintain unit values amid volume pressures and to comply with EU Green Deal, CBAM‑related climate expectations and upcoming ecodesign rules. ([fibre2fashion.com](https://www.fibre2fashion.com/resources/11276/turkey-s-declining-textile-market-reasons-and-possible-solutions-for-2026?utm_source=openai)) **Key commodity takeaways for 2026** - **Hazelnuts**: - **Volumes sharply down (~30–50% YoY)** in 2025/26; - **Unit export prices up strongly**, with some contracts >$15/kg in key markets; - Export revenue broadly stable to higher despite lower tonnage. - **Sunflower oil**: - Domestic policy (large duty‑free TRQs Jan–May 2026) aims to **stabilise local prices and supply**; - This **dampens crude export volumes**, but supports refining utilisation and higher‑value product exports. - **Textiles/apparel**: - Persistent **volume decline (−4–6% range)** into early 2026, - **EU share still dominant but gradually eroding** as exporters pivot to US, MENA and higher‑value segments. Sources: ([arslanturk.com.tr](https://www.arslanturk.com.tr/2026-january-hazelnut-market-report/?utm_source=openai)) === 3. [PROBLEM FRAMING] === Challenges for Turkish freight forwarders 2026 – congestion, equipment imbalance, customs, CBAM, Red Sea security ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- **Port congestion & capacity pressures** - Global disruptions (Red Sea crisis, Panama Canal drought, war in Ukraine) have re‑routed substantial volumes, leading to **periodic congestion at Mediterranean and Turkish hubs** as carriers bunch capacity and increase calls to alternative ports. UNCTAD’s 2024 Review of Maritime Transport highlights that **congestion and delays have been experienced across key chokepoints, including the Turkish Straits**, which becomes more critical as traffic re‑routes around Suez. ([unctad.org](https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/rmt2024ch1_en.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Forwarders serving Istanbul and Marmara ports stress the need for **advanced booking, schedule visibility and digital documentation** to mitigate terminal congestion and reduce dwell time; liner marketing portrays Istanbul as capable of handling **ULCVs (18 m draught)**, but this also means **surges of large‑volume calls** that can create **peaks in yard and gate utilisation**. ([neelevat.com](https://www.neelevat.com/ocean-freight/container-transport-istanbul/?utm_source=openai)) **Container equipment imbalance & rate volatility** - The **Red Sea security crisis** (Houthi attacks on container vessels since late 2023) continues to force **rerouting of Asia–Europe services around the Cape of Good Hope**, extending transit times by **10–14 days** and disrupting container circulation. This contributes to **equipment shortages and imbalances in the Eastern Med/Black Sea**, directly affecting Turkish forwarders. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Sea_crisis?utm_source=openai)) - 2025–26 trade press notes: - **Higher and more volatile spot rates** on East Asia–Mediterranean and Asia–North Europe lanes, with surcharges for war risk and emergency bunker. - **Blank sailings and port omissions** affecting Turkish calls, causing forwarders to juggle **feeder vs direct calls** and to rely more on **intermodal (rail/road) via the Middle Corridor**. ([turkfreight.com](https://turkfreight.com/?utm_source=openai)) - As a result, forwarders report **difficulty in securing equipment (especially 40’HC and special equipment) during demand spikes**, plus **imbalances between import and export flows** that drive up repositioning costs. **Customs compliance & documentary complexity** - Under the **EU–Türkiye Customs Union**, exporters must use **ATR certificates** and, for certain markets/products, **EUR.1** and leverage the **Inward Processing Regime (IPR)**. Turkish freight forwarders increasingly market **automated ATR/EUR.1/IPR handling** to reduce compliance risk, storage fees and demurrage—indicating that **documentation errors and delays are a persistent pain point** for shippers. ([turkfreight.com](https://turkfreight.com/?utm_source=openai)) - Key challenges: - Keeping up with **frequent rule changes** in export controls, sanctions, dual‑use goods and product‑specific licensing. - Managing **electronic customs platforms** in both Türkiye and EU destinations, including ICS2 and detailed HS‑level data requirements. - For agro‑food cargoes, **sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) documentation** and residue limits add extra complexity and inspection risks at EU borders. **EU CBAM impact on exporters and forwarders (2026)** - The **EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)** entered its **transitional phase in October 2023**, requiring **quarterly emissions reporting** for imports of covered sectors (initially: cement, iron & steel, aluminium, fertilizers, electricity, hydrogen; some organic chemicals) from non‑EU countries, including Türkiye. Full financial obligations are due from **January 1, 2026**. - For Turkish exporters in steel, aluminium, fertilizers and cement, this means: - Need to **calculate embedded emissions at installation level** and provide data to EU importers; - Exposure to **CBAM charges** from 2026 if their carbon intensity exceeds EU benchmarks. - For **Turkish freight forwarders**, implications include: - **Additional data collection responsibilities** (factory, process, fuel mix info) to populate CBAM declarations on behalf of EU importers or Turkish sellers. - Integration of **CBAM documentation** into booking and customs workflows (alongside ATR/EUR.1/IPR), increasing administrative workload and IT demands. - Pressure from shippers to offer **“green routing” and emissions reporting** (e.g., choice of low‑emission carriers, optimised routing) to mitigate CBAM‑linked costs and corporate ESG requirements. ([mckinsey.com](https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/industries/retail/our%20insights/state%20of%20fashion/2026/the-state-of-fashion-2026-vf.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Red Sea security and routing/rate effects in 2026** - Continued attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have led major container lines to maintain **Cape of Good Hope diversions** for many Asia–Europe services into 2025/26, with **select loops occasionally transiting Suez under naval escort**. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Sea_crisis?utm_source=openai)) - For Turkish trade: - **Asia–Türkiye** (imports of textiles, electronics, components) see longer transits and **higher freight rates**, which erode the cost advantage of Turkish manufacturers and affect export competitiveness. - **Türkiye–Gulf & Red Sea–East Africa exports** (foodstuffs, construction materials, FMCG) face **higher insurance, war‑risk surcharges and schedule uncertainty**, complicating contract performance for forwarders. - Some Turkish and European shippers are **re‑routing Asia–EU flows via rail/road through the Middle Corridor** and using Türkiye as a **modal switch hub**, which benefits certain forwarders but demands new operational capabilities. ([turkfreight.com](https://turkfreight.com/?utm_source=openai)) **Strategic/operational challenges summarised** 1. **Operational & capacity risks** - Intermittent **port congestion** at Istanbul/Marmara and bottlenecks in the **Turkish Straits**; - **Equipment imbalance** and schedule unreliability on main East–West routes; - Need for **redundant routing options** (short‑sea, rail, road) to maintain service levels. 2. **Regulatory & compliance load** - Complex mix of **customs regimes (Customs Union, ATR/EUR.1, IPR)** plus country‑specific import rules; - New layer of **CBAM emissions data and reporting** on top of standard customs/SPS documentation; - Growing **ESG and carbon‑footprint reporting expectations** from EU clients. 3. **Cost & pricing pressures** - Elevated **ocean freight rates** and war‑risk insurance, particularly on Asia–Med and Med–Red Sea legs; - TRY volatility and domestic inflation complicating **long‑term rate commitments**; - Shippers pushing for **cost containment** while demanding higher reliability and sustainability. 4. **Market & corridor shifts** - Gradual **reorientation of some Turkish exports away from the EU** towards US, MENA, Africa, requiring forwarders to build/strengthen new lanes; - Expansion of **Middle Corridor and Black Sea–CIS routes**, requiring investment in rail, road and project‑cargo capabilities; - Ongoing need to differentiate via **digitalisation, visibility, and value‑added services** (customs consulting, CBAM support, ESG reporting). Sources: ([turkfreight.com](https://turkfreight.com/?utm_source=openai))