Turkey’s apparel sector is aiming to further boost exports this year and anticipates a significant surge as the coronavirus outbreak in China disrupts production and shifts global orders toward Turkey.
The industry, which exported $17.7 billion worth of goods in 2019, now targets $19 billion in exports for 2020, according to Mustafa Gültepe, President of the Istanbul Apparel Exporters Association (İHKİB). He stated that the sector achieved a “flying start” to the year, reaching $1.5 billion in exports in January—an increase of 5.8% compared with the same month last year.
Gültepe emphasized that achieving growth during a period of shrinking global markets is a notable success. Exports to the European Union, Turkey’s largest market, rose by 7.7%, offering strong optimism for the months ahead. In January, 73.4% of the country’s total apparel exports went to EU nations, with Germany and Spain leading the list.
Turkey also exports around $700 million in apparel to the United States annually. Gültepe noted that this figure could potentially rise to $5 billion with the right market conditions.
Global Apparel Orders Shift Toward Turkey
Turkey’s garment exports are projected to increase by 10% as the coronavirus outbreak delays shipments from China. However, İHKİB warned that if the crisis extends and global demand weakens, Turkish exports may also face challenges.
Earlier this month, industry officials revealed that several fashion retailers manufacturing in China are already in talks with Turkish companies to shift production.
With China exporting around $170 billion in ready-to-wear garments annually, even a 1% shift in global orders could bring nearly $2 billion to Turkey, according to Hadi Karasu, President of the Turkish Clothing Manufacturers’ Association (TGSD).
The virus outbreak has forced many Chinese factories to halt operations as authorities try to contain its spread. Polish fashion retailer LPP confirmed it is exploring alternatives in Turkey, Bangladesh, and Vietnam as part of its contingency plan.
