Furniture logistics from Turkey to the Gulf: Sea transport costs 2025

When exporting furniture from Turkey to the Gulf countries, accurate logistics cost planning is one of the most critical steps. Sea transportation is the most economical and reliable method for exports to the Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. As of 2025, transportation costs vary depending on the route, container type, product volume, and season. Transportation generally takes place from Turkey's major ports. The most frequently used ports are Istanbul Ambarlı Port, the country's largest container port open to international routes. Izmir Port is the most convenient departure point for Aegean region manufacturers. Mersin Port, located close to the Mediterranean, offers advantages on Gulf routes. Regular container services operate from these ports to the Gulf. Average transit times range from 10 to 18 days. Durations according to routes and ports are as follows: Saudi Arabia Jeddah port 12-16 days UAE Jebel Ali port 10-14 days Qatar Doha port 14-18 days Kuwait Kuwait port 12-15 days Bahrain Manama port 14-17 days Oman Salalah or Muscat port 15-18 days Transportation costs were determined as follows in 2025. Prices are in USD and apply per single container 20 feet container (takes 10 rolls or 8 10 piece flat pack furniture sets) Izmir Mersin Jeddah 1,400 1,700 USD Izmir Mersin Jebel Ali 1,300 1,600 USD Izmir Mersin Doha 1,500 1,800 USD Izmir Mersin Kuwait 1,450 1,750 USD 40 feet container (takes 20 rolls or 18 22 piece flat pack sets) Izmir Mersin Jeddah 2,300 2,700 USD Izmir Mersin Jebel Ali 2,200 2,600 USD Izmir Mersin Doha 2,400 2,800 USD Izmir Mersin Kuwait 2,350 2,750 USD 40 feet high container HC 40 HC offers more volume and is especially preferred for oversized furniture items such as bed headboards. Prices range from 2,500 to 3,000 USD. Factors affecting these prices include: Seasonal fluctuations. Due to increased construction and project intensity in the summer months, container prices can increase by 15-20%, reflecting the difference between summer and winter. Fuel costs. In maritime transportation, the BAF bunker adjustment factor is added as a fuel surcharge. This rate is expected to remain stable as of 2025. Container shortages. If container returns are delayed, a rental fee is added. Additional services, terminal service fees, THF container docking fees, CFS, and pre-customs inspection fees are added to the transportation price. These surcharges average between 200 and 400 USD. The most significant cost-saving method for transportation is to use flat-pack or compressed packaging. With this method, the volume of flat-pack furniture is reduced by 40-50%. The volume of compressed mattresses is reduced by 60%. More products are transported in a container. Transportation costs are reduced per item. Example: In a 40-foot container, 12 bedroom sets are transported with traditional packaging. 22 bedroom sets are transported with flat-pack packaging. In this case, the transportation costs per item are almost halved. Insurance: Exporters can purchase insurance at 0.3-0.5% of the product value. This fee is added to the transportation fee but provides coverage in case of loss or damage. As a result, furniture logistics from Turkey to the Gulf will be possible at competitive costs in 2025. Transportation costs can be optimized by using flat-pack packaging, selecting the right port, and planning the container type. Exporters can export more profitably and efficiently by taking these factors into account.