Türkiye has long been recognized as one of the world’s most important textile and apparel manufacturing hubs. From denim and knitted garments to carpets, towels, socks, and home textiles, the country continues playing a strategic role in global supply chains thanks to its strong industrial infrastructure, skilled workforce, fast logistics, and close proximity to European markets.
Here are 12 important things you should know about Türkiye’s textile and apparel industry.
1. Türkiye’s Powerful Position in Global Apparel Exports
The Turkish apparel sector is the sixth-largest apparel exporter in the world and the third-largest supplier to the EU.
The Turkish textile sector is the world’s fifth-largest textile exporter and the European Union’s second-largest supplier.
2. Strong Yarn Production Capacity
Turkish yarn production has the leading capacity in Europe and one of the highest volumes in the world.
3. A Global Hub for Knitted Apparel
Türkiye is one of the leading knitted goods exporters in the world.
Turkish apparel is the world’s 2nd leading supplier in hosiery and leader in denim products.
4. Türkiye’s Strength in Towel Exports
According to 2022 export data, Türkiye, which ranks fourth in global towel exports, has a higher share of the global market pie than European countries.
5. Türkiye’s Leadership in Denim Production
Türkiye is among the top four countries in global denim fabric production.
Türkiye is the largest denim fabric supplier to the European Union.
With a 35.8% share, Türkiye became the largest denim fabric supplier to the EU from outside the union.
6. High-Quality Cotton Production
Türkiye is a prominent nation in the production of various types of cotton, ranging from high-quality to organic varieties.
7. Rapid Growth in Activewear Exports
Türkiye has witnessed a significant 100% increase in the major sports apparel markets such as the USA, France, Germany, Japan, and the UK.
Türkiye increased its sports apparel exports to the UK by 155.7% over four years, reaching a market share of 8.2%. This makes Türkiye one of the top three suppliers to the UK.
8. Türkiye’s Strong Position in Underwear Manufacturing
Türkiye holds the position of the third-largest innerwear supplier to Germany with a 5.6% share.
9. One of the World’s Largest Sock Exporters
Türkiye, the world’s second-largest sock exporter, is the first choice of Europe’s largest sock importers.
10. Türkiye’s Dominance in Carpet Exports
Türkiye holds a leading position globally in carpet exports, commanding a substantial 30.8% share of the market on its own.
11. A Major Footwear Manufacturing Country
With an annual production of 550 million pairs of shoes, Türkiye’s footwear industry holds the position of the top producer in Europe and the 8th in the world.
12. A Key Player in Fabric and Home Textiles
Türkiye is the world’s fourth-largest exporter in fabric and home textiles.
Read more : Türkiye’s Textile Industry: A 100-Year Journey of Transformation and Global Strength
Editor Insight
Despite rising competition from Asia and ongoing economic challenges, Türkiye continues maintaining a strong position within the global textile industry. The country’s biggest advantages remain its integrated supply chain, flexible manufacturing capabilities, fast delivery times, and deep-rooted textile expertise.
As global sourcing strategies increasingly shift toward nearshoring and value-added production, Türkiye is expected to remain one of the textile industry’s most strategic manufacturing hubs connecting Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
