#ITM 2013

2013-05-16

Country focus: Turkey

Turkey is one of the most important textile producing countries of the world and is considered to be the textile powerhouse in Europe as well as being sometimes described as the China of Europe which certainly refers to its relatively low wage costs for European standards and high economic growth over a number of years.

Turkey ranks number 4 in the 2011 WTO table of export statistics with a value of 10.8 bn USD for textiles and 13.9 bn USD for garments. The ranking remains unchanged compared to 2010, growth however amounted to 15% and was only just below the growth of 17% for all exports of textiles and garments. Ahead of Turkey in the ranking are India, the EU (27) and of course China, the absolute number one with 94.4 bn USD for textiles and 153.8 bn for garments. Turkey ranks just behind Italy when the EU is split up into its individual countries. According to Eurostat 3.9 bn USD of exports from Turkey went to the EU in 2011, garments amounted to 8.186 bn USD which represented about 59% of exports to the EU. Germany and Italy are the most important countries for exports to the EU. Textiles and garments combined form a 19% share of exports (2010) and represent the most important trade group for exports from Turkey (source Fischer Weltallmanach). Motor vehicles, iron and steel, electrical machinery and food products are further important export trade groups.

These figures show the great importance of the textile and garment industry for Turkey as well as on the other hand how important the sales market EU is. Turkey has been part of the European customs union since 1996 that led to the removal of customs duties and provided Turkey with a competitive advantage over other textile producing countries.

The EU has however progressively concluded agreements with other countries and reduced restrictions or abolished them completely, which is why the country on the Bosporus has been faced with ever growing competition from Asia in recent years.

Despite low unit labour costs the country cannot compete with the prices of cheap products from the Far East any longer. The advantages for Turkey are the relative close proximity to the European single market, automation already well advanced to a large part and flexibility in production batch sizes. According to the EU report ‘Worldwide Sourcing 2012’ presented by the French association ‘Fédération de la Maille et de la Lingerie’ in February 2013 at the Sourcing trade fair ‘Zoom by Fatex’, Bangladesch has been able to double its share of exports of textiles and garments to the EU in the past five years and was ahead of Turkey in 2012 (+9% compared to 2011) whose share was reported to have declined by 4%. It is therefore only a small consolation that India has declined by 19% and even China by 10% for the first time. Besides Bangladesh, the countries of Vietnam (+2%), Sri Lanka (+8 %) and Cambodia (+38 %) are the beneficiaries of the altogether lower imports to the EU. Another impending adversity is the re-orientation of the Chinese textile industry towards more quality, more sustainability in production and transformation to an automated high-tech industry.

Economic development in Turkey

Let us have a look at the development of the Turkish economy as a whole. (...)

Read the complete article in the last issue 2 / 2013 of the TexData Magazine. If you aren 't already a subscriber, please register here!

Subscribe now!

textile.4U publishes special edition “Top 100 Textile Recycling Companies 2025”

With a comprehensive 176-page special edition, textile.4U is dedicating its latest issue entirely to one of the most dynamic and influential topics in today’s textile industry: textile recycling. The new issue, published exclusively in high-quality print, presents the Top 100 textile recycling companies researched and selected by TexData – organizations that already play a key role in the transition to circular textiles or are expected to have a significant impact in the near future.

Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 signed by Governor

Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) is proud to announce that Senate Bill 707 (SB 707), the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024, has been signed into law by the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom. This groundbreaking legislation establishes the country’s first Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) textile recycling program, marking a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to combat waste and promote sustainability.

Modtissimo promotes sustainability with 28 coordinates in the Green Circle

Modtissimo is proving more and more to be a textile and clothing show that delivers the latest innovations in the area of sustainability, with the iTechStyle Green Circle being the main showcase for companies' creations. In this 60+4 edition, taking place on 12 and 13 September, 28 coordinates will be exhibited in a section organised by CITEVE and curated by Paulo Gomes.

The EU and Egypt team up to mobilise private sector investments at Investment Conference and sign a Memorandum of Understanding underpinning €1 billion in macro-financial assistance for Egypt

At the EU-Egypt Investment Conference, co-organised by the EU and the Government of Egypt on 29-30 June, the EU and Egypt are teaming up to intensify private sector investments in Egypt. They are also signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the disbursement to Egypt of up to €1 billion in Macro-Financial Assistance.

JEC World 2026 returns with an unprecedented content program

Recognized worldwide as the leading trade exhibition for composite materials and their applications, JEC World returns on March 10-12, 2026, at Paris Nord Villepinte as the most ambitious edition to date, in line with its motto “Pushing the limits”. As the must-attend event for the composites industry, JEC World will offer an unprecedented program, blending conferences, markets insights, technical sessions, awards, and above all, a unique experience and invaluable connections.

Beyond the wardrobe – innovative cotton takes the spotlight

Cotton can do more – a lot more. Cutting-edge textiles and high-tech products made from 100% cotton prove just how powerfully performance and sustainability can come together. That very surge of innovation is front and centre at the 38th Bremen Cotton Conference, taking place March 25–27, 2026, at Bremen’s Parliament on the historic market square – culminating in a bold and dedicated closing session on Friday. In the spotlight: performance upgrades for pure cotton, smart strategies for circular textile waste solutions, and pioneering concepts for demanding technical applications. From natural fibre–reinforced composites to highly effective flame-retardant solutions, cotton steps out of the closet and shows the future potential woven into every fibre.

Keeping print inclusive: Empowering women in the print industry

Across all industries, cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace is increasingly recognised as valuable and essential to long-term success. However, despite the print industry’s significant advancements in technology and innovation, visible representation of women remains limited. As the sector grapples with low recruitment, it’s important to challenge outdated perceptions. Creating real change, however, requires collective effort - no single company can do it alone.

Texprocess 2026: market overview for strategic future investments

At Texprocess 2026, 200 exhibitors from 28 countries will be represented. In a challenging market environment, the leading trade fair is a constant and reflects progress in textile processing – driven by automation, digitalisation and AI. In addition, international start-ups present their ideas and meet partners from industry and research. Techtextil takes place in parallel with an optimised hall layout.