Japan → Turkey
Turkey Market Entry for Japanese Companies
Multiligo helps Japanese companies find buyers, distributors and partners in Turkey: we pre-qualify Turkish counterparts, set up and attend B2B meetings with interpretation, and report every month. Turkey imported USD 5.0 billion of goods from Japan in 2025, mainly machinery, chemicals, automotive products and steel, and an Economic Partnership Agreement is under negotiation (Turkish MFA; MOFA Japan).
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How big is trade between Japan and Turkey?
Turkey imported USD 5.0 billion of goods from Japan in 2025, mainly machinery, chemicals, automotive products and steel, and an Economic Partnership Agreement is under negotiation (Turkish MFA; MOFA Japan).
| Indicator | Figure and source |
|---|---|
| Turkey’s imports from Japan (2025) | USD 5.03 billion (Turkish MFA, TurkStat data) |
| Bilateral trade volume (2025) | USD 5.73 billion (Turkish MFA, TurkStat data) |
| Main imports from Japan | Machinery and equipment, chemicals, automotive products, iron and steel (Turkish MFA) |
| Trade agreement | Japan–Turkey Economic Partnership Agreement under negotiation (MOFA Japan; Turkish Ministry of Trade) |
Why do Japanese companies look at Turkey?
Japanese companies look at Turkey for its domestic market, its industrial base and its position between several regions, and for partners who already know those markets.
- Turkey is in an active seismic zone, so earthquake-resistant construction and building technology is a recurring topic in the Turkish market.
- Machinery and equipment lead Turkish imports from Japan, so industrial buyers are already familiar with Japanese suppliers and quality expectations.
- Turkey sits between Europe, the Middle East, the Caucasus and Central Asia, with a large domestic market and a broad manufacturing base.
Japan and Turkey are negotiating an Economic Partnership Agreement. Until an agreement is in force, check current tariffs and rules of origin with the Turkish Ministry of Trade or JETRO before pricing for the Turkish market.
Which sectors do we explore with Japanese companies?
For Japanese companies we most often look for Turkish counterparts in these sectors; fit always depends on the product and its positioning.
Machinery & industrial equipment
Dealers, system integrators and manufacturers looking for precision equipment and automation.
Construction & building technology
Seismic, energy-efficiency and building system technologies for contractors and developers.
Food & beverage
Importers and distributors for Japanese food products, ingredients and beverages.
Automotive components & electronics
Suppliers and partners in Turkey’s automotive and electronics supply chains.
What should Japanese companies know about working with Turkish partners?
Japan is 6 hours ahead of Turkey (Turkey uses UTC+3 all year), so Japanese mornings overlap poorly with Turkish office hours. We schedule calls in the Japanese late afternoon or Turkish morning.
- We prepare detailed counterpart profiles before meetings and written minutes afterwards, so decisions can be reviewed internally at headquarters.
- Turkish companies often expect quicker decisions than Japanese approval cycles allow; we agree a realistic timeline with counterparts upfront.
- English-language materials work for most Turkish companies; we coordinate Turkish interpretation in meetings.
Our process (brief, target list, pre-qualification, meetings, debrief, monthly report) is described on the Turkey market entry page.
How does Multiligo work alongside JETRO?
JETRO provides market information and programmes for Japanese companies; Multiligo adds company-level execution in Turkey: finding, qualifying and meeting specific Turkish companies.
JETRO supports Japanese companies abroad, including in Turkey. Multiligo complements that support at company level: we find specific Turkish counterparts, contact them, and manage meetings and follow-up.
Organisations that support Japanese companies abroad can work with us through the Partner Program.
Frequently asked questions
Can Multiligo help Japanese companies find a distributor in Turkey?
Yes. We identify and pre-qualify Turkish distributors, importers and partners for Japanese companies, set up the meetings, attend them with interpretation and report every month.
Can you work with our Japan-based overseas expansion consultant?
Yes. Overseas expansion agencies and consultants can work with us as their local partner in Turkey through the Partner Program.
Are your reports suitable for internal approval in Japan?
Reports and debriefs are written in English in a consistent format, with counterpart profiles, meeting minutes and next steps, so they can be translated or circulated internally.
Does a trade agreement apply to Japanese exports to Turkey?
Not yet in force. Both governments list a Japan–Turkey Economic Partnership Agreement as under negotiation, so standard tariffs apply for now. Check your product with the Turkish Ministry of Trade or JETRO.
Official sources
- Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Türkiye–Japan economic and trade relations
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: EPA/FTA status
- JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization)
- Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Trade: free trade agreements
- Invest in Türkiye: Investment Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye
Enter Turkey
Tell us about your product and the partners you are looking for. We will reply by email.