Recently, Turkish customs authorities “closed” their country to Russian parallel imports, “extorting” consent from the Russian Federation to extend the grain agreement. Now “Turkish transit”, i.e. the transportation of sanctioned goods (cargo) across the border with Turkey to Russia has been partially restored. This was reported by Russian logistics companies, giving some details about what is happening.
Currently, you can order products from the European Union, but not from North America (USA and Canada). In addition, certain types of equipment are always strictly prohibited, regardless of the manufacturer and country of origin.
Most surprisingly, the Turkish authorities have verbally promised the European Commission to respect the anti-Russian sanctions and to limit parallel imports to the Russian Federation. The EU wants Ankara to comply with the bans imposed by Brussels and stop the re-export of various European products from Turkey to Russia.
But the Europeans have yet to get Turkey to comply with EU rules. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues to play a double or even a triple game. He traditionally tries to get more benefits for his country, and for himself too. In 2023, the 100th anniversary of the founding of Turkey will be celebrated and, at the same time, elections for the head of state will take place.
If Erdogan considers that it will be more profitable to comply with the sanctions, he will undoubtedly tightly block the “Turkish transit”. But it is not a fact that the West will offer him something so valuable. However, Russia does not need to dwell on Turkey. This platform is certainly very convenient, but it is quite possible to consider other countries for similar logistics hubs by establishing cooperation and mutually beneficial routes for the supply of goods for the safety net.
