The European Union and Türkiye held the third EU-Türkiye high-level dialogue on trade in Brussels, reviewing bilateral trade relations, market access and customs cooperation. Co-chaired by European Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Türkiye’s minister of trade Ömer Bolat, the dialogue took place against the backdrop of bilateral trade flows reaching €217.6 billion in 2025. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the economic partnership, improving the business environment and supporting resilient value chains.

The discussions covered several issues affecting textile and related trade, including Türkiye’s export taxes on hides, skins and wet-blue leather, and its import surveillance regime for textiles and materials used in textile manufacturing. The EU and Türkiye agreed to continue technical engagement on these matters to achieve further tangible results. They also welcomed the removal of a barrier concerning import controls under Türkiye’s TAREKS system and discussed customs reform, alignment with EU technical legislation and measures to facilitate the movement of goods across the Customs Union.

The dialogue also addressed broader areas of cooperation, including the circular economy, digital trade, public procurement and alignment of technical legislation. Both parties agreed to maintain close engagement and work towards practical solutions that support a more predictable, transparent and mutually beneficial trade relationship.

Please read the full dialogue on European Commission website.