Turkey has emerged as a significant player in the global urea market, offering high-quality urea products for agricultural and industrial applications. With a strategic location, modern manufacturing facilities, and a growing export market, Turkey presents numerous opportunities for B2B buyers seeking reliable urea suppliers. In 2023, Turkey exported over $108 million worth of urea, demonstrating its capacity to meet international demand .
For businesses engaged in Sourcing from Turkey, understanding the dynamics of the Turkish urea market is essential for making informed sourcing decisions. The country’s urea industry is supported by a strong manufacturing base, with companies like İGSAŞ producing up to 560,000 tons of urea annually . This guide provides a comprehensive overview of urea export from Turkey, covering market data, leading suppliers, quality standards, and practical guidance for B2B buyers.
1. The Turkish Urea Market: An Overview
Turkey’s urea market is characterized by a strong domestic production capacity and a growing export focus. The country’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East provides logistical advantages for international distribution.
Market Size and Export Volume
Turkey’s urea exports have shown consistent growth, with the country exporting over 242,000 metric tons of urea in 2023 . While export values have fluctuated with global market prices, the volume of urea exported from Turkey has remained stable, indicating a reliable supply base. The country is ranked as the 26th largest exporter of urea globally, with a growing share of the international market .
Key Export Destinations
Turkish urea is exported to numerous countries, with the primary markets including:
- Syrian Arab Republic: The largest importer of Turkish urea, receiving over 114,000 metric tons in 2023 .
- Ukraine: A significant market for Turkish urea, particularly for agricultural applications.
- Romania: An important European market for Turkish urea exports.
- Cyprus: A consistent importer of Turkish urea products.
- United States: A growing market for Turkish urea, with increasing demand for high-quality fertilizers.
2. Leading Turkish Urea Producers and Suppliers
Turkey is home to several reputable urea producers and suppliers known for their quality products and reliable export services.
Major Producers
- GSAŞ (Istanbul Gübre Sanayii A.Ş.): The largest urea producer in Turkey, with an annual capacity of 560,000 tons. İGSAŞ is known for its high-quality prilled and granular urea products .
- Gemlik Gübre Sanayii A.Ş.: A major fertilizer producer in Turkey, with a new urea and UAN plant in Bursa. The company is a key player in the Turkish fertilizer market .
- BAGFAŞ (Bandırma Gübre Fabrikaları A.Ş.): A leading fertilizer producer with a diverse product portfolio, including urea and other nitrogen-based fertilizers .
Reputable Exporters and Trading Companies
- NANOFARM KIMYA VE TARIM: A specialized exporter of fertilizers and agricultural products, including various grades of urea.
- 4SEASONSAGRO KIMYA A.S.: An experienced exporter of chemical fertilizers and agricultural inputs.
- ALLNATURE GUBRE TOHUM: A supplier of organic and chemical fertilizers, with a focus on sustainable agriculture.
3. Types of Urea Exported from Turkey
Turkish suppliers offer various types of urea to meet different agricultural and industrial needs.
Prilled Urea (46% N)
Prilled urea is the most common type of urea fertilizer, containing 46% nitrogen. It is a solid, spherical product that is highly soluble in water, making it suitable for various application methods. Turkish prilled urea is known for its high purity and consistent quality .
Granular Urea
Granular urea has a larger particle size than prilled urea, which provides a slower release of nitrogen. It is often preferred for bulk blending with other fertilizers and for direct soil application. Turkish suppliers offer high-quality granular urea with excellent handling characteristics.
AdBlue (Diesel Exhaust Fluid)
AdBlue is a high-purity urea solution used in diesel engines with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology to reduce harmful emissions. Several Turkish companies specialize in the production and export of AdBlue, meeting the stringent quality standards required for this application .
4. Quality Standards and Certifications
Quality is a critical factor in the urea market, and Turkish suppliers adhere to international standards to ensure product quality and safety.
ISO 9001:2015
Many Turkish urea producers are ISO 9001 certified, demonstrating their commitment to quality management and continuous improvement. This certification ensures that products are manufactured under controlled conditions and meet consistent quality standards .
Product Specifications
Turkish urea products typically meet the following specifications:
- Nitrogen Content: 46% minimum
- Biuret Content: 1% maximum
- Moisture Content: 0.5% maximum
- Particle Size: Specified for prilled and granular products
These specifications ensure that the urea is effective as a fertilizer and safe for agricultural use.
5. Logistics and Shipping for Urea Export
Efficient logistics are crucial for the timely and cost-effective delivery of urea exports.
Packaging
Urea is typically packaged in:
- 50 kg bags: The most common packaging for agricultural use.
- 1,000 kg big bags (FIBCs): Suitable for bulk shipments and industrial applications.
- Bulk shipments: For large-volume orders, urea can be shipped in bulk in containers or vessels.
Shipping Methods
- Sea Freight: The most common method for exporting urea from Turkey. Both containerized and bulk shipping options are available.
- Road and Rail: For exports to neighboring countries in Europe and the Middle East.
Key Ports for Urea Export
- Port of Gemlik (Bursa): A major port for fertilizer exports, located near several large production facilities.
- Port of Istanbul (Ambarlı): A key hub for containerized shipments to global destinations.
- Port of Mersin: An important port for trade with the Middle East and North Africa.
6. How to Source Urea from Turkey
Sourcing urea from Turkey involves several key steps to ensure a successful and compliant transaction.
1. Identify Reputable Suppliers
Use online B2B platforms, industry directories, and trade associations to identify potential suppliers. PortYol offers a curated list of verified Turkish urea exporters.
2. Verify Supplier Credentials
Conduct due diligence on potential suppliers by checking their company registration, export licenses, and quality certifications. Our guide on How to Find & Verify Turkish Suppliers provides a detailed checklist for this process.
3. Request Quotes and Samples
Contact multiple suppliers to request quotes (FOB or CIF) and product samples. This allows you to compare pricing, quality, and product specifications.
4. Negotiate Terms
Negotiate payment terms, delivery schedules, and Incoterms with your chosen supplier. For large orders, consider using a Letter of Credit (L/C) for payment security.
5. Arrange Logistics
Work with a freight forwarder to arrange packaging, shipping, and insurance for your urea shipment. Ensure all export documentation is prepared in accordance with Turkish Export Regulations.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for urea export from Turkey?
A: The MOQ varies by supplier but is typically one 20-foot container (approximately 20-25 metric tons) for bagged urea.
Q: What is the price of urea from Turkey?
A: Urea prices fluctuate with global market conditions. As of late 2024, prices for prilled urea were approximately $350-$400 per metric ton (FOB
Q: Is it safe to buy urea from Turkey?
A: Yes, provided you work with reputable, verified suppliers. Conducting due diligence and using secure payment methods are essential.
Q: What are the payment terms for urea exports?
A: Common payment terms include Telegraphic Transfer (T/T) with a down payment (e.g., 30% upfront, 70% upon shipment) or an irrevocable Letter of Credit (L/C) for larger orders.
Q: Can I get a quality certificate for my urea shipment?
A: Yes, reputable suppliers will provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) with each shipment, detailing the product’s chemical composition and quality parameters.
Q: How long does it take to ship urea from Turkey to the US?
A: Sea freight from Turkey to the US East Coast typically takes 14-21 days, including port handling and customs clearance.
Conclusion
Urea export from Turkey offers significant opportunities for B2B buyers seeking high-quality fertilizers at competitive prices. With a strong manufacturing base, a variety of product types, and a strategic geographic location, Turkey is well-positioned to serve the global urea market. By following the steps outlined in this guide and working with verified suppliers, buyers can confidently and successfully source urea from Turkey.
