According to the latest available data, 71.4 per cent of Turkey’s total clothing exports valued at US $ 12.2 billion were shipped to the European Union (EU) in 2017. The figure shows the importance of the EU market to Turkish apparel industry. Germany and UK, in particular, are major markets in the EU for the exporter.
However, over the years, Pakistan and Bangladesh have increased their apparel exports to the EU and this has become a serious matter among the industry stakeholders. On the similar lines, Hadi Karasu, the newly elected President of Turkey Clothing Manufacturers Association (TGSD), voiced for Government’s support in terms of incentives, subsidy and schemes. “The Government needs to initiate measures to support the industry,” he said.
The TGSD President aims to translate Turkey’s manufacturing potential into numbers and make the apparel sector a leader in the world market, thereby eventually boosting the country’s economy.
The present concern is the availability of cheap labour in Bangladesh and Pakistan. Additionally, these countries also enjoy support from the EU and the US in terms of taxes.
In 2017, Turkey reported a 1.9 per cent and 19.8 per cent increase in exports to Germany and Spain, respectively. However, it noted a 3.4 per cent decline in exports to the UK to US $ 2 billion. Knitted clothing and accessories despite being the most exported product groups noted a 0.1 per cent decline to US $ 8.9 billion in 2017.
Further, woven apparel goods and accessories also a reported a meagre 0.4 per cent increase to US $ 6 billion in 2017. Home textile products and exports of other ready-made goods, however, inclined by 3 per cent to US $ 2 billion to the region.
The trade association expects a push from the Government to increase the country’s apparel trade and thereby improve the export percentage.
Bharat Tex Special Report 2026 
