Türkiye Launches Transit Trade via Saudi Arabia to Bypass Hormuz Disruptions
Ankara, The Gulf Observer: Türkiye has initiated transit trade operations through Saudi Arabia to ensure the continuity of shipments to regional markets amid ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, Trade Minister Omer Bolat announced on Monday.
Speaking at a ceremony in Ankara, Minister Bolat stated that goods unable to pass through the critical maritime route would be redirected through alternative logistics corridors established under a new arrangement with Saudi Arabia. He noted that shipments would continue to reach regional destinations via a combination of pipeline networks and road transportation.
“We have launched transit trade through the agreement made with Saudi Arabia. With this, products that cannot pass through the Strait of Hormuz will continue to reach countries in the region,” Bolat said, adding that transit visas are now being issued to facilitate the movement of goods.
Highlighting the broader economic context, the minister underscored that the global environment is currently marked by significant uncertainty. He emphasized that the Turkish government is actively working to safeguard national economic interests by maintaining trade flows and supporting producers through investment incentives and production support mechanisms.
Bolat also pointed to the impact of ongoing regional tensions, including the conflict involving Iran, which has disrupted energy routes and affected the supply of key commodities such as petrochemicals, chemicals, and fertilizers.
He noted that Türkiye’s logistics sector has grown substantially, reaching a value of $112 billion, positioning the country as a key regional hub for trade and transport.
On the agricultural front, the minister reassured that Türkiye maintains sufficient food stocks and expects record production levels across most agricultural products this year, provided there are no adverse weather conditions such as frost. He further stated that adequate fertilizer reserves have been secured, exports are being regulated, and customs duties on imports have been reduced to zero to prevent supply disruptions.
The initiative reflects Türkiye’s strategic efforts to adapt to evolving geopolitical challenges while ensuring the resilience of regional trade networks.
