Türkiye Poised to Become Strategic Hub for New Global Trade Routes

As global trade adjusts to escalating geopolitical risks and evolving tariffs, Türkiye is emerging as a vital link in newly forming logistics corridors, say leading figures in the Turkish transportation and forwarding sector.

According to Bilgehan Engin, President of the Turkish Forwarding and Logistics Association (UTİKAD), the latest wave of U.S. tariffs, announced by former President Donald Trump, is set to reshape maritime trade flows—prompting a global search for alternative trade routes.

“The new tariffs will force the redirection of maritime logistics networks. In this context, Türkiye could become a focal point for Europe’s realignment of supply chains,” said Engin.

He noted that Türkiye’s strategic location and adaptable infrastructure make it a strong candidate to capitalize on disruptions in traditional East-West trade corridors—potentially boosting EU-Türkiye trade relations in the short term.

Middle Corridor Gains Renewed Momentum

Şerafettin Aras, Chair of the Board at the International Transporters’ Association (UND), emphasized the growing relevance of the Middle Corridor—a key overland route linking Europe to Central Asia and China via Türkiye.

“With supply chain fragmentation and regional instability, the Middle Corridor has become the fastest and most cost-effective land connection between Europe and Asia,” Aras stated.

Aras added that Türkiye’s broader integration with Central Asia and the Middle East is being reinforced through initiatives like the Zangezur Corridor and the Development Road Project—both of which are seen as transformative for regional trade.

The Development Road: Gulf to Europe Via Türkiye

The Development Road Project, a joint infrastructure initiative between Türkiye and Iraq, will connect the Persian Gulf to Europe by creating a trade and transport corridor that runs through Iraqi territory and into Türkiye, Aras explained.

He stressed that the project’s successful implementation will significantly enhance Türkiye’s geopolitical role in energy and freight logistics, especially in the post-oil economic diversification strategies of Gulf states.

Post-Conflict Stabilization in Syria to Boost Middle East Access

Further, Aras argued that a stabilized Syria would significantly accelerate Türkiye’s logistical access to Middle Eastern and Gulf markets—unlocking new economic opportunities and reducing over-reliance on maritime chokepoints like the Suez Canal.

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