Exporting Copper from the USA to Turkey: Ports, Buyers & Logistics
Turkey is one of the world's largest importers of metal scrap and a serious secondary-copper hub, with established smelters and cable makers that place performing container orders. To ship copper there from the USA you need ISRI-graded material, the right Incoterms, load-port inspection, and a firm payment structure. Here's how the USA → Turkey route works.
Why Turkey is a strong copper market
Turkey's manufacturing base — cable, wire, brass, and rod — runs heavily on imported feedstock, and its secondary smelters buy copper scrap in volume. Straddling Europe and Asia, Turkish buyers are experienced traders who understand ISRI grades and standard Incoterms, which tends to make for cleaner, faster-performing transactions than some emerging markets.
Main Turkish ports
- Aliağa (İzmir) — Turkey's principal metals and scrap gateway, close to the western industrial belt.
- Ambarlı (Istanbul) — the largest container complex, serving Marmara-region manufacturers.
- Mersin / Iskenderun — southern gateways for the Adana–Gaziantep industrial zone.
From South Florida, containers route via transhipment hubs to these ports; your buyer's nominated discharge port drives the final leg.
Incoterms, order size & pricing
| Item | Standard |
|---|---|
| Default Incoterm | FOB Port Everglades (CFR / CIF to a Turkish port on request) |
| Minimum export order | 5 × 20ft containers (≈110–120 MT depending on grade) |
| Pricing basis | LME copper less a transparent grade-based margin, volume tiers apply |
| Payment (new relationships) | Irrevocable Letter of Credit or agreed deposit + balance |
| Inspection | Independent pre-shipment inspection (SGS, Bureau Veritas, Cotecna) on request |
Confirm current import rules
Turkey periodically updates its scrap-import controls and customs procedures. Treat this as orientation, not legal advice — confirm the current documentation and duty position with your customs broker or the Turkish buyer's clearing agent before contracting.
Grades Turkish buyers ask for
Demand centres on mill berry (ISRI Barley) and No.2 copper (Birch/Cliff), insulated cable priced on recoverable content, plus brass and, for manufacturers, LME Grade A cathode. See the Mill Berry vs Birch/Cliff comparison and the copper grades guide for the differences, and how to buy copper for export for the full process.
Shipping copper to Turkey?
Get a landed quote to Aliağa, Ambarlı, or Mersin — grade, container count, and Incoterms of your choice.
Get an Export QuoteFrequently asked questions
What is the minimum order to export copper to Turkey?
5 × 20ft containers (≈110–120 MT depending on grade), shipped FOB Port Everglades or CFR/CIF to a nominated Turkish port.
Which Turkish ports handle copper scrap?
Aliağa near İzmir is the main metals gateway; Ambarlı (Istanbul) and Mersin/Iskenderun in the south also handle imported scrap and cathode.
How is payment usually structured?
For new trade relationships, an irrevocable Letter of Credit or an agreed deposit-plus-balance against shipping documents is standard.
How is the price set?
Against the LME copper price, less a transparent grade-based margin, with volume tiers. Freight and insurance are added for CFR/CIF terms.