FOB vs. EXW Shipping Terms Explained for Importing Turkish Stone

When importing natural stone such as marble, granite, travertine, or onyx from Turkey, buyers often come across different shipping terms in their quotations. The two most common Incoterms are FOB (Free on Board) and EXW (Ex Works). Understanding these terms is essential for importers, distributors, and contractors in the United States who want to calculate costs accurately and avoid unexpected logistics issues.

In this guide, we’ll explain the difference between FOB and EXW, discuss the pros and cons of each, and answer the most frequent questions stone buyers ask.

What Does FOB Mean?

FOB (Free on Board) means the seller delivers the stone to the port of shipment and loads it onto the vessel arranged by the buyer. From that moment, the buyer assumes responsibility for shipping, insurance, customs clearance, and delivery to the final destination.

Key points about FOB:

• Seller arranges inland transportation within Turkey.
• Seller handles export customs clearance.
• Risk transfers to the buyer once the stone is loaded on the ship.
• Buyer chooses the shipping line, transit time, and insurance.

Example: If you buy marble slabs FOB Izmir Port, the supplier pays for transporting the slabs to Izmir and clearing Turkish customs, but you arrange and pay for sea freight to the USA.

What Does EXW Mean?

EXW (Ex Works) means the seller makes the goods available at their factory or warehouse. From that point on, the buyer is responsible for all transportation, customs, and costs—including moving the stone from the quarry or factory to the port.

Key points about EXW:

• Buyer organizes and pays for trucking from the supplier’s warehouse to the port.
• Buyer handles export customs clearance in Turkey.
• Buyer controls the full logistics chain from the very beginning.
• More responsibility but also more flexibility.

Example: If you buy travertine tiles EXW Denizli, you must hire a local trucking company, arrange customs brokers, and book sea freight.

FOB vs. EXW: Main Differences

Which Term Is Better for Importing Turkish Stone?

• FOB is usually better for new importers.
  It simplifies the process since the supplier handles local trucking and export paperwork. Many U.S. stone distributors prefer FOB for marble, granite, or limestone shipments.
• EXW can be cost-effective for experienced buyers.
  If you have a trusted logistics partner in Turkey, EXW might save money. For example, combining multiple suppliers’ shipments into one container is easier under EXW.

Common Buyer Questions

Which option is cheaper?

• EXW can be cheaper if you manage logistics well.
• FOB often looks more expensive, but it saves hidden costs and paperwork.

Who arranges insurance?

• In both cases, the buyer usually arranges marine insurance, unless negotiated otherwise.

Which is safer for high-value stones like onyx?

• FOB is safer because the supplier ensures the stone reaches the port and clears customs properly before shipping.

What about mixed containers from several suppliers?

• EXW gives flexibility to consolidate shipments from different factories.
• FOB works better if you buy a full container from one quarry or exporter.

Both FOB and EXW are standard shipping terms when importing Turkish marble, granite, travertine, and other natural stones.

• Choose FOB if you want a smoother process, especially for your first shipments.
• Choose EXW if you are an experienced importer with reliable freight forwarders in Turkey.

Understanding these terms will help you calculate the true landed cost, avoid delays, and build long-term partnerships with Turkish stone suppliers.