Turkey is fast becoming recognized as a fashion center and top clothing supplier. The country has over 35,000 textile and clothing companies and is the fourth largest supplier of clothing in the world and ranks among the top ten exporter in the textile industry. The annual production value of Turkey’s clothing and textile sectors is $30 billion and accounts for 8% of GDP.
Along with massive production capabilities, Turkey can offer fast delivery times, creative talent, and decades of experience in the industry. Businesses abroad are flocking to the country to work with the design and in-house production centers in Turkey. There were more foreign offices in Istanbul in the textile industry compared to any other industry in 2007.
Turkey has also been able to maintain its edge in the industry by investing early in cutting-edge technologies. Turkey was the world’s largest investor in short-staple spindles and open-end rotors, regarded as the most advanced technologies around, between 1995 and 2003. It was also the second biggest world investor in long-staple spindles during the same period.
Presently, Turkish apparel producers are focusing on developing international brands and many manufacturers have opened their own retail chains locally. The industry is also following health and environmental trends. Turkish textile and clothing producers are adapting themselves to developments in international markets toward healthier and more environment-friendly products.
The clothing and textile industry is centered in Istanbul, where many fashion and shopping center are located. Many companies have now shifted their production facilities to the inner provinces. Izmir, Bursa, Ankara, Denizli, Gaziantep, Kayseri, Tekirdag, Adiyaman, Kahramanmaras and Adana are now major cities for textile and clothing production.
Click here to see the list of textile exporters.
For additional information on Turkey’s clothing and textile industry visit:
Turkish Clothing Manufacturers’ Association (TGSD)
www.tgsd.org.tr
Istanbul Textile and Apparel Exporter Associations
www.itkib.org.tr