How much money do you need to start an export business?

There is no fixed capital threshold; it varies widely with the product, the target market and the delivery terms. With the right logistics and payment model, a small first shipment can be made at a relatively low starting cost. For pre-financing, support from Türk Eximbank and KOSGEB is worth considering.

How is customs duty calculated on imports?

Customs duty is calculated from the product’s HS code, its country of origin and its CIF value (goods + freight + insurance). Imports from countries that have a free trade agreement with Türkiye may qualify for reduced or zero tariffs. Without the correct HS classification, the duty calculation cannot be relied on.

Why do you need a certificate of origin?

A certificate of origin is the official document that states the country where the goods were produced. You need it to apply customs tariffs, to benefit from trade agreements and to comply with the destination country’s import rules. A wrong or missing certificate leaves the shipment held at customs.

When does international trade consulting add value?

At every stage: from market research and finding buyers or suppliers to documents, logistics, Incoterms and payment security, professional support speeds up the process and cuts the risk of error. On a first export or import venture in particular, an experienced consultant creates value well beyond the cost.

Exports

Import vs Export: What They Are, How They Differ and 5 Steps in the Process

Published: 19 June 2023 Updated: 14 August 2026 4 min read

Written by Enes Ünal, Export and Business Development Lead Reviewed by Sertaç Öztürkcan, Co-Founder

Related service Import Consulting

Contents4 sections

Import vs export: their place in Türkiye’s foreign trade
5 key advantages of exporting and importing for a business
5 main steps in the import and export process
Frequently asked questions

International trade documents and an Incoterms decision tree

The difference between import and export comes down to direction: exporting is selling goods or services produced in one country to a buyer abroad, while importing is bringing in the products you need from other countries. Together they form the backbone of the global economy, and an import and export business that manages them well gains a significant growth advantage.

Import and export: isometric illustration of trade flows and data links between countries

Import vs export: their place in Türkiye’s foreign trade

Türkiye is a long-established exporter in many sectors, led by automotive, textiles, machinery, food and chemicals. Data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) shows foreign trade volume rising year on year. For producers in Türkiye, that turns foreign markets into a concrete opportunity; for importers, it shows why diversifying supply matters.

Import vs export: their place in Türkiye’s foreign trade
Concept	Definition	What it does for the business
Exports	Selling domestic goods or services abroad	New markets, foreign currency income, better capacity use
Importing	Bringing foreign goods or services into the country	Lower costs, product diversification
Foreign trade balance	The difference between exports and imports	Macroeconomic indicator, exchange rate effect
Customs declaration	Mandatory official document for crossing the border	Legal compliance, tax calculation
Incoterms	International rules for delivery terms	Makes clear who bears risk and cost

5 key advantages of exporting and importing for a business

What exporting brings

Market diversification: a strong buffer against shrinking demand at home.
Foreign currency income: financial flexibility that turns exchange rate swings into an opportunity.
Competitive advantage: some products face far fewer competitors abroad.
Brand awareness: international references raise your standing at home too.
Capacity utilisation: production capacity can be used fully and efficiently.

What importing brings

Raw materials and intermediate goods: access to inputs that cannot be made at home, or cost too much to make.
Technology transfer: advanced machinery and equipment raise production efficiency.
Price competition: alternative supply sources ease cost pressure.
Product diversification: a wider portfolio to meet customer demand.

International customs documents and logistics process management

5 main steps in the import and export process

1. Market research and target setting

Deciding which country to sell to, or which country to buy from, is the most critical step. Market size, the competitive landscape, local regulations and consumer habits are the main inputs. Decisions based on data rather than gut feeling directly affect your chance of success.

2. Documents and licences

The customs declaration, commercial invoice, certificate of origin, bill of lading and, where needed, licences must all be complete. Missing or incorrect documents can mean serious delays and fines at customs. In Türkiye, an export invoice must show the words “İhracat Faturası” (export invoice), the HS code, the VAT exemption and an authorised signature.

3. Logistics and customs management

The mode of transport (road, sea, air or rail), insurance cover and storage conditions directly set cost and delivery time. If tariff classification by HS code and the customs duty calculation are wrong, unexpected costs follow.

4. Choosing the right Incoterms rule

The wrong delivery term leads to legal disputes and extra cost. These are the Incoterms rules used most often in exports from Türkiye:

EXW (Ex Works): the seller makes the goods available at its premises; transport and customs are the buyer’s responsibility.
FOB (Free on Board): the seller’s responsibility ends once the goods are loaded on board; the most common choice for exports from Türkiye.
CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight): the seller pays freight and insurance; risk passes to the buyer once the goods are loaded on board.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): the seller delivers to the buyer’s door with customs duties paid; the widest obligation.

5. Choosing payment and financing methods

The safest payment method in international trade is the letter of credit (L/C). Documents against payment, cash against goods and cash in advance are also widely used. The right choice depends on the level of trust between buyer and seller, country risk and the contract terms. For export finance, support from the Export Credit Bank of Türkiye (Türk Eximbank) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organization of Türkiye (KOSGEB) is also worth considering.

FIX helps you build your export strategy on data and find the right market and the right buyer.

See how our export and business development consulting services can speed up your process.

Frequently asked questions

How much money do you need to start an export business?There is no fixed capital threshold; it varies widely with the product, the target market and…

There is no fixed capital threshold; it varies widely with the product, the target market and the delivery terms. With the right logistics and payment model, a small first shipment can be made at a relatively low starting cost. For pre-financing, support from Türk Eximbank and KOSGEB is worth considering.
How is customs duty calculated on imports?Customs duty is calculated from the product’s HS code, its country of origin and its CIF value…

Customs duty is calculated from the product’s HS code, its country of origin and its CIF value (goods + freight + insurance). Imports from countries that have a free trade agreement with Türkiye may qualify for reduced or zero tariffs. Without the correct HS classification, the duty calculation cannot be relied on.
Why do you need a certificate of origin?A certificate of origin is the official document that states the country where the goods were produced.

A certificate of origin is the official document that states the country where the goods were produced. You need it to apply customs tariffs, to benefit from trade agreements and to comply with the destination country’s import rules. A wrong or missing certificate leaves the shipment held at customs.
When does international trade consulting add value?At every stage: from market research and finding buyers or suppliers to documents, logistics…

At every stage: from market research and finding buyers or suppliers to documents, logistics, Incoterms and payment security, professional support speeds up the process and cuts the risk of error. On a first export or import venture in particular, an experienced consultant creates value well beyond the cost.

From our base in Ankara, FIX works with you at every step of foreign trade, from market research and buyer matching to documents and customs planning. We offer end-to-end support for businesses that want to build a lasting export system.