Turkey’s textile and apparel exports are approaching US$30bn annually, with the government hoping this will grow to exceed $50bn by 2023.
Turkey’s average export value per kilogram is around $1.70, according to Merter Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association (MESIAD) chairman, Yusuf Gecü. This figure, however, has reached $15 in apparel and $5 in textiles, with the government continuing to work on further increasing these figures.
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Speaking at a recent industry event in Istanbul, Gecü highlighted the contribution made by the region of Merter, a district in Istanbul known for its ready-to-wear, to total apparel exports. At present, it accounts for nearly one-quarter, according to Turkey’s Daily Sabah.
The district exports textile and apparel products to 215 countries around the world, with most medium and large manufacturers operating a store or showroom in Merter. At present, the region has around 10,000 stores, employing around 100,000 people.
“We are the first to come to mind in terms of textiles,” Gecü told the conference. “Turkey is already the shining star of the world in the textile and apparel sector. No matter where in Turkey, our producers are selling from here.”
The reason for this, he said, is because their prices are cheaper than Europe and the quality is better than China, particularly for denim and knitted products.
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By GlobalData
