## Company Profile Fratelli Cosulich Taşımacılık Hizmetleri Ltd. Şti. — Turkish freight forwarding arm operating out of Istanbul/Marmara. Core services: ocean (FCL/LCL) and short‑sea forwarding, airfreight, road/door‑to‑door to MENA/Africa, customs clearance (ATR/EUR.1/IPR), project and Ro‑Ro services, and warehousing/3PL. Serves exporters of textiles, apparel, agro‑food (hazelnuts, fresh fruit/vegetables), and industrial goods; acts as a transshipment/relay node for EU, MENA and CIS corridors. Public scale information not found in search; appears to be a regional forwarder focused on Turkish export corridors (Istanbul/Marmara, Black Sea, Mediterranean ports). Contact on file: Derya Ergül, Genel Müdür. ## Pain Points ## Intel Summary === MULTI-DIMENSION RESEARCH === === 1. [MARKET EVENTS] === Turkey 2026 export flows to EU, MENA, 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); 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 and CIS, 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))