Turkey's increasing export figures and growing popularity as a preferable sourcing destination is making it an attractive option for global fashion brands with deep pockets.

Textile industry of a country constitutes a large portion of international trade. This is more specific in the case of countries with developing economies. Developing countries are getting access to global markets, proving to be competitive. Turkey is on a high growth trajectory regarding its textile and apparel exports. It accounts for around 18% of the country's total exports proving to be Turkey's integral engine of the economy. The industry has shown stable growth during the recent years. It has a production capacity of 370,000 tons annually and enjoys the credit of being ranked 7th among the world's top 70 cotton-growing countries.

Growth Drivers:

Turkey is in close proximity to big markets such Europe and Asia which augments the growth of the sector. Its nearness facilitates European buyers to complete their business in a single day. Furthermore, retail growth in countries such as Egypt, Vietnam, Indonesia, Colombia, and South Africa also boosts the growth of Turkey's exports. Being a top and quality cotton-producing country, Turkey has an integrated and diversified textile production. Spinning and weaving industries in Turkey flourish due to abundant availability of raw cotton.

Increasing levels of globalization urge the need for a greater understanding of the production and marketing strategies for every country. With awareness towards international trends, the country adapts itself to provide output matching with global standards. Apparels are manufactured catering to the demand for a healthier and more environmentally friendly lifestyle. They also adapt to make apparels in compliance with legal and technical regulations. Initially, apparels were manufactured according to customer requirements. Today, manufacturers and exporters have their own creations. Earlier garments were made with materials sent by the customers. Today, the industry procures almost all the materials from their domestic market itself.

Turkey is famous not only for its natural beauty, but also for its dazzling urbanity. The heavy blend of oriental and contemporary splendor of the country attracts tourists from all across the globe. This makes a profitable contribution in promoting and branding of fashion merchandise.

Export market for clothing:

Turkish fabrics have their own reputation in the international markets by their trade marks. Most of the fabric manufacturers have national and international quality certificates. Main fabric exports are woven cotton fabrics, woven synthetic fabrics, cotton fabrics with a blend of man-made fibres, and synthetic fabrics blended with wool or cotton. Main markets are Poland, Bulgaria, Algeria, Romania, UK, France, and Belgium-Luxemburg.

Clothing is an important product of export for Turkey. Apparel sector exports around 60% of its production. Capacity utilization rates are around 75% among the exporting manufacturers. Major export products are knitted jerseys, cardigans, t-shirts, pullovers, womens and girls trousers. Major markets for Turkish apparel exports are US, Germany, UK, France, Russia, and Netherlands. EU is the biggest market for Turkey, making it the second largest supplier of clothing.

Inspiration and style are seen in Turkish apparels, augmenting them to acquire a vibrant market in Europe. Analysts feel that Turkeys strength lies in its focus on design and marketing skills. It has good manufacturing base, fashion skills, quality and is flexible in terms of executing orders. This might give a positive option to the country for performing in the global fashion apparel segment.

Turkey enjoys a competitive advantage regarding its textile, and apparel sector which motivates its growth at a record pace towards value-added production. The country concentrates on turning itself into one of the most dynamic, competitive, and entrepreneurial industries in the world.


References:

1.      Data source: thaitextile.org

2.      Turkey: clothing and textile industry handbook, International Business Publications, USA.