Istanbul Mineral Exporters Association (IMIB), organizing trade delegations in 19 countries to increase the trade of natural stone, organized a trade delegation to Australia. 15 of Turkey’s most important natural stone and marble manufacturer companies and 20 company representatives participated in the organization held in the major cities of the continent Sydney and Melburne an and signed important cooperation.
Turkey, the second leading supplier
IMIB President Aydin Dinçer stated that 93 percent of their total natural stone exports to Australia consist of marble and travertine. He said: “Turkey is the second leading supplier of Australia in the category of natural stone. Australia maintains its position as the importer of direct capital investment. It is necessary to develop strategies that directly target the Australian market with great potential.”
$ 39 million worth export
President Dinçer said: “The value of Turkey’s total exports to Australia amounted to 687 million dollars in 2018 and 39 million dollars of this consist of natural stone. China is the leading purchaser of Turkish natural stone. 40 % of Turkish natural stone is exported to China. It is followed by the U.S.A. On the other side only 2.9 percent of Turkish natural stone is exported to Australia. The total natural stone import of Australia is 16.6%. It is the second leading natural stone importer after China.
Australia’s position as an importer should be well evaluated
Dinçer giving information on agreements between the two countries said, “There are Investment Promotion and Protection and the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreements between Turkey and Australia. The number of Turkish companies and businesses in Australia is over 2,000. In summary, Australia remains the importer of direct investment capital. Given that geographic distance is no longer a disadvantage, it is necessary to develop strategies that directly target the Australian market, which has great potential due to its large purchasing power and strategic location in the Asia-Pacific region. Our prospective Turkish natural stone sector representatives who consider to make export to Australia should conduct extensive market research before entering the market. In particular, we believe that participating in sectoral fairs will be beneficial in terms of promotion, proper marketing and determination of sales techniques.”
“Exporters should find alternative ways”
Dincer said: “We see Australia as an important market. Since there is no direct sea transportation between Turkey and Australia, the exporters can choose between the methods such as the use of distributors, licensing / technology transfer agreements, franchise agreements, joint ventures, branches or office opening, which are widely seen in Australia, Turkish natural stone sector representatives should start exporting to the region as soon as possible and make efforts to increase their existing exports. As İMİB, we maintain our existing markets and continue our efforts to reach new markets. We aim to have access to as much countries as possible via the sectoral trade delegations. Our aim is to make Turkish natural stone available to all over the world.”
Participant Companies in Trade Delegation
Alacakaya Marble
Anadolu Marble
Assos Antik Marble
CK Foreign Trade
Çiftyıldız Marble
Esktra Doğaltaş
Emmioğlu Marble
Leo Mining
Mermeryap Construction
Nova TMG Mining
NSI Naturel Taş
Özmersan Marble
Savaş Granite
Silkar Mining
Stone Group Mining