Turkey is still one of the world’s major manufacturers of textile and garment. Textile exports in Turkey accounted for 9.4 percent of overall exports in 2017, behind only autos. The textile sector shipped 8.8 billion dollars in knitwear (5.6% of total exports) and 6.0 billion dollars in woven garments (3.8% of total exports).
In 2017, Turkey’s textile and garment sectors had export increases of 2.5% and 3.0%, respectively. Those in the know predict that 2018 will be a golden year for business. Textile exports exceeded $10 billion last year, while garment exports exceeded $17 billion.
Hikmer Tanriverdi, Chairman of the Istanbul Apparel Exporter’s Association, anticipates a rise in exports of 8-10% this year.
According to World Trade Organization (WTO) figures from 2016, Turkey’s textile and garment sector is the third biggest exporter to the EU, accounting for 3.39 percent of total exports. It accounts for 2.73 percent of global woven garment exports and 4.06 percent of global knitted apparel exports.
Advantages in the Turkish textile and apparel industry
The Turkish textile and garment business is important in global commerce because of its capacity to create high-quality goods in a variety of designs and sizes. Turkey is a significant worldwide supplier of completed clothes as well as raw textile supplies. The most significant markets for Turkish fabric exports are Italy, Russia, Germany, Romania, and Bulgaria.
From 1980 to 2018, the industry evolved from manufacturing and exporting low-value-added commodities to manufacturing and exporting high-value-added manufactured products and trendy goods. What distinguishes the Turkish textile and clothing industry is:
- human resources who are competent and educated
- ability to create designs,
- gathering information,
- research and development expenses
- Manufacturing that is both adaptable and responsive to change
- developed textile and garment industry sector,
- Considerations in terms of quality, health, and the environment
Forecasting Clothing Export Patterns
Despite geopolitical issues in neighboring countries and diplomatic tensions between Turkey and major European Union (EU) nations over the previous two years, the sector has remained strong. Turkey’s fashionable clothing and high-quality goods have helped it capture a bigger share of global markets, particularly in Europe.
The top five garment export markets in Turkey
Clothing sales overseas generated a total of US$16.26 billion in 2014. Cotton accounts for about 80% of all exported garments. Knitted clothing and accessories accounted for 61.66% of overall clothing exports in 2014, valued at $10.02 billion, while hand-woven clothing accounted for 38.34%, valued at $6.23 billion.
Turkey’s Apparel Suppliers
T-shirts and pullovers are the most common knitwear goods exported. T-shirts and pullovers accounted for $2.93 billion and $1.62 billion in foreign commerce in 2016, respectively.
“suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, dresses, skirts, divided skirts, trousers, etc.” are the most common woven clothing exports for women, followed by “suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches, etc.” for men and boys.
In other words, women’s and girls’ suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, dresses, skirts, divided skirts, trousers, and so on were valued at USD 2.27 billion in 2016, while men’s and boys’ suits, ensembles, jackets, blazers, trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches, and so on were valued at USD 1.51 billion.
External Factors’ Influence on Turkish Textile Production
Turkey has various advantages in textile manufacturing and raw material supply because of the following factors:
- The nation is in an incredibly vital logistical position since it acts as a gateway to European markets.
- The region is rich in significant industrial raw minerals. Turkey ranks sixth in the world in terms of cotton output.
- Because of its free trade policies and highly qualified labor force, the country’s well-developed industry is able to manufacture high-quality commodities.
- With the European Union, the nation enjoys free trade agreements and a customs union pact.
- Worker well-being is also highly regarded in Turkey.
- Turkey’s ongoing investment in cutting-edge technology is intended to stimulate economic development.
Textile Industry Competitiveness
The Turkish textile sector has risen significantly over the years, but China is now a major competitor. China is starting to lose market share as a result of its cheap manufacturing costs.
The Turkish Fabric Manufacturers Association’s Hadi Karasu has warned that China’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative posed a danger to Turkey’s textile sector (TGSD). The majority of China’s apparel sector is centered in Western China, where labor costs are cheaper. As a result, China would endanger Turkey by easing access to the European Union, and the proposal would put a strain on Turkey’s critical competitive edge.
Domestic manufacturers must come up with more new and inventive designs geared toward wealthy customers in order to keep their competitive advantage. The European Union’s efforts to clinch free trade agreements with South Korea and India will have an impact on the industry as well.
In the face of increased worldwide competition, the Turkish government intends to assist local manufacturers even more via programs such as the Turquality initiative. Its major purpose is to boost American industry competitiveness.
Conclusion
Turkey’s textile and garment sector is presently the most export-focused in the world, with goods of equal or better quality and variety than any other country. Turkey is on pace to lessen its dependency on cotton imports as cotton output increases.
Furthermore, the government is working hard to resolve the few remaining issues in the business, thus Turkey might soon overtake its major enemy nations as the dominant competitor.
