Turkey’s Trade Minister, Rukhsar Pekcan, has outlined a TRY3.1bn (US$570m) package to help the country’s exporters grow added-value product sales.

Pekcan said the investment would mainly support small-medium enterprises and encourage them to produce higher-value items for export.

Last week, the Istanbul Ready-to-Wear and Apparel Exporters Association (IHKIB), said the country is eyeing a 10% increase in apparel exports for 2019. Latest figures from the Turkish Exporters Assembly show a 3.6% jump in annual apparel exports for 2018 to US$17.6bn, up from US$17.03bn the year before. In volume terms, exports of apparel rose 7%. For the same period, textile and raw material exports grew 4.5% to US$8.5bn.

According to the re:source by just-style strategic sourcing tool, Turkey is amongst the world’s top ten clothing and textile exporters thanks to its high quality, proximity to Europe and Asia, skilled labour, and well-developed domestic supply chain. Turkish manufacturers can offer fast delivery times, flexibility for in-season repeats, and the ability to trial new products and trends but, like other supplier countries, faces competition from low-cost producers in Asia.

Peckan said the ministry supported 12,555 firms in 2018, adding: “Technology, branding, and design, which were our priorities, took the biggest share of our budget with TRY861m (US$159m) in 2018.”

Some 600 firms’ technology, branding, and design activities were supported in 2018, and with the new investment more firms will be supported, but the focus must be on creating value-added offerings, she noted.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

“We designed all of our export support to develop fields which contribute to Turkey’s export potential. The ultimate goal of all these support programs; is to direct our exporters to export high-tech and value-added products.”

Just Style Excellence Awards - Have you nominated?

Nominations are now open for the prestigious Just Style Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact. This is your chance to showcase your achievements, highlight industry advancements, and gain global recognition. Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today!

Nominate Now