Branch offices Germany and Turkey
An effective local and international operation
The Freight Hero, with head office in the Netherlands, has two independent branch offices: in Germany in Bad Bentheim (Gildehaus) and in Turkey in Izmir. In Gildehaus, with a large warehouse, is the logistics centre for both Dutch and German customers. The branch office in Izmir acts both as an independent forwarder in Turkey for Turkish companies, and as own local agent for the Dutch customers that import and export from and to Turkey.
Netherlands-Turkey specialist
Doing business with Turkish companies is not always simple. If import or export activities take place, it is useful to work together with a real specialist. Turkey is, after all, not a member of the European Union. The Freight Hero is a Turkey specialist, with forwarders who know their trade both on the Dutch side and on the Turkish side. The Freight Hero has an enormous network at its disposal. Do you have questions about customs matters? The Freight Hero has the answers for you!
ATR Certificate
If you buy goods in Turkey, then you need an ATR certificate. The Turkish origin is laid down in this certificate. The Turkish supplier can, with the help of The Freight Hero in Izmir, apply for such a certificate with the Turkish customs. For most products there are no import levies at the clearance in the Netherlands. If you want to export goods from the Netherlands to Turkey, then in addition to an ATR certificate you also need an Export Document. With this document the goods may leave the European Union.
A popular country for goods import into the Netherlands
Many Dutch companies import from Turkey, among other things, clothing, leather goods, foodstuffs, iron and steel, natural stone and car parts. In 2023, almost 6 billion euros worth was even imported.
The Turkish Lira
The Turkish Lira has fallen sharply in value relative to the dollar and the Euro, as a result of which the cost of living in Turkey is very high given the low purchasing power for the Turkish people. Under pressure from the Turkish government, the Central Bank lowered the interest rate. The exchange rate of the Lira plummeted as a result. For the Turks, importing has therefore become quite a bit more expensive. In October 2022 inflation was at a peak of 85%. At the end of 2023 it reached 65% and will briefly rise to 75% mid-2024, after which it is expected to gradually decrease to some 50% at the end of 2024. The Central Bank has meanwhile raised the interest rate again and the Turkish economy seems to be reaping the fruits of this normalisation.
Covid impact
In the recent past, many companies have shifted their production from Turkey to China. During Covid, China was largely locked down, the supply lines to Europe were disrupted and the trade war between the US and China caused a lot of instability. Labour costs in China also rose considerably. The consequence was that importing from Turkey has increased again.
Want to know more about our branch offices in Germany and Turkey? Or do you have questions about importing goods? Get in contact with us, our team of specialists is happy to help you further!
