The global public procurement market, worth roughly $1.7 trillion a year, is turning from a free-trade arena into one ruled by 'membership' status. According to Dünya Gazetesi, Turkish exporters are running into a new 'invisible customs wall.' Türkiye's absence from the WTO Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) is shutting Turkish firms out of this enormous market and is being cited as the single biggest technical barrier to Türkiye's high-value-added export ambitions.
In particular, the European Union's rule that 'only GPA members may bid' on its public tenders is shutting Turkish exporters out across apparel and textiles, food, medical devices and construction materials. With more than $110 billion in exports, the EU remains Türkiye's primary export market — but capturing a share of its public procurement leg requires a coordinated diplomatic effort.
Exporters argue that full GPA accession is difficult in the short term and that Türkiye should instead pursue sectoral carve-outs and observer status at the WTO and the EU. China has been negotiating GPA accession since 2007 without conclusion; India is an observer. Türkiye's customs union with the EU does not confer a direct advantage here, since GPA membership carries a separate set of commitments.
From a supply chain perspective — and combined with the EU's tightening rules of origin and sustainability (CBAM, FuelEU, Critical Raw Materials Act) — being outside the GPA points to a cumulative loss for Turkish exporters. In textiles Bangladesh and Vietnam, in medical devices Thailand and Mexico, in construction materials Egypt and Tunisia are picking up share. If Turkish diplomacy focuses on reciprocity agreements in strategic segments such as defence and medical devices, the gap could be meaningfully narrowed.
Key Takeaways:
1. Global public procurement is worth $1.7T; Türkiye is excluded as a non-GPA member.
2. EU tenders open only to GPA members; Turkish textile, food, medical-device and construction exports are blocked.
3. EU remains Türkiye's main export market with over $110B in trade flows.
4. Full GPA accession is hard; exporters call for sectoral exemptions and observer status.
5. Bangladesh, Vietnam, Thailand and Egypt are picking up share through GPA-linked arrangements.
