Strengths of the Turkish Clothing Industry

Turkey is a very important cotton country, which is an advantage  in raw materials, for the clothing industry.

The monetary policies and the banking systems are uniform throughout the country.

Work discipline, techniques, rules and regulations are also uniform in every region.

The clothing industry has achieved international integration with free market rules.

 With the integrated textile firms, who retain high capacity and new technology, the clothing industry is also in an advantageous position with its inputs such as yarn-fabric.

 The Turkish clothing industry enjoys the advantage of low labour costs, while maintaining best quality, compared to developed countries.

 The Turkish clothing industry has made the transition from producing basic products with low added value to producing high quality products with high added value. The share of subcontracting in exports is 5%.

 The established production centres – the Marmara region, mainly around Istanbul - are at present specializing in the production of quality products leaving the production of basic products to Anatolia, thus cretaing opportunities for the clothing industry throughout the country.

 Buyers coming to Turkey have the opportunity of selecting from a wide range of products.

The Turkish clothing industry is one of the sectors that takes full advantage of the Customs Union with the EU.

Turkey’s location is a great advantage. There is a population of 600 million people living in the surroundings of Turkey, at a distance of only two hours. Buyers coming from Europe are able to do their business in only one day.

Why Turkish Textile ?   

Turkey is home to some of the most beautiful, luxurious and  innovative fabrics and textiles available today.

 Inspiration for style is everywhere – the unusual designs of  Turkish ceramics, the beautiful architecture of mosques and palaces, the fine oriental rugs, the fabulous robes of the sultans. All of these have contributed to the creation of one of the most dynamic and vibrant industries in Europe today – Turkish textiles.

With a modern outlook and skilled workforce, the Turkish  textile industry has quietly been producing the highest quality goods at competitive prices for European and U.S. markets. Many companies prefer doing business with Turkey for its reliable business practices and design capability. Others are drawn to its competitive prices and proximity to world markets. Whatever brings you to Turkish textiles, be prepared for an adventure in style and elegance…

Turkish textile manufacturers have been a major partner and a critical source for major U.S. labels and manufacturers, ranging from the high-end to countless popular manufacturing houses and designers. Last year, Turkey’s textile exports to the U.S. were $1.4  billion. Much of this was through our partners in New York’s Garment   District. Moving forward in 2002, Turkish textile industry is eager and ready to continue this partnership and provide top-quality products at competitive range for the American marketplace.

TURKISH TEXTILE AND CLOTHING INDUSTRY

SIZE OF THE TURKISH TEXTILE AND CLOTHING INDUSTRY

Textile and clothing industry has a great contribution to the Turkish economy. This contribution can be observed easily when some statistical ratios and aggregates are considered. For example, textile and clothing industry accounts for;

• About 10 % of GDP,
• 17,5 % of industrial production,
• About of 20 % of manufacturing labour force
• 32,2 % of total Turkish export earnings.(2003)

With these high ratios, the industry has been denominated as the locomotive of the Turkish Economy for years.

The export amount of the industry has reached to the level of USD 15 billion.

But the country is not only an exporter in the world, but also it is a reliable importer. Total import of the industry reached USD 5 billion in 2003. Most of the imports are textile commodities such as fibres, yarns, fabrics, etc.

Turkey is among the leading importers of textile and clothing machinery, spare parts and chemical agents. Average import figure of these items exceeds 1,7 billion USD per year.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Turkey had a closed economy until 1980s. As a result, both production and export level were quite low. For example;

• Total export of Turkey was USD 3 billion and the export amount of textile and clothing industry was only USD 777 million in 1980.

Since the beginning of 1980s, with the export orientation of Turkish Economy, both production and export have increased:

• In 2003, total export reached USD 47 billion, and the amount of USD 15 billion has been realised by the textile and clothing industry.

During early years of export orientation policy, most of the industry’s export items were raw materials or intermediary goods such as fibres and yarns. In the course of time, this situation has changed. For example,

• Percentage distribution of exports among clothing and textile industry was 13% and 87% respectively in 1980. The share of clothing has increased since then. In 2003, it reached to 76% of the total. Apparently, the share of textiles dropped to 24%. Within twentythree years up to 2003, the industry has both grown rapidly and shifted from low value added commodities to high value added manufacturing items.

  
WHAT IS THE RANK IN THE WORLD

According to the WTO statistics, Turkey is

4th biggest clothing supplier and

10th textile commodity supplier in the world. (as of 2002)

2nd clothing supplier and 2st textile commodity supplier in the EU region (as of 2003).

The EU countries are the main traditional markets for the Turkish textile and clothing industry. The share of the EU (15) in total export of the industry is about 63%.

Leading Suppliers of Clothing in the World – (2002)

^{Share Of Turkey in the World Textile and Clothing Trade -2002}