As part of Türkiye’s growing interest in emerging global markets, Baykar Fabric Company made its debut at Colombiamoda 2025, one of Latin America’s leading fashion and textile exhibitions. Represented by Mr. Ali Dilek, the company aims to establish new B2B connections across the Latin American region and assess the sourcing needs of buyers from countries such as Ecuador, Panama, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic.
“This is our first time visiting South America, and we see real potential here,” said Mr. Dilek. “Many buyers are asking for lightweight fabrics – the kind suited for a region with a climate that resembles a never-ending spring.”
Understanding Regional Needs
According to Mr. Dilek, the regional demand focuses heavily on lightweight knits and lingerie fabrics, while thick or winter-weight textiles attract little interest due to the consistent warm temperatures (25–30°C) year-round in countries like Colombia. Baykar observed that polyester, polyamide, and cotton-based fabrics for underwear and thin garments were in high demand — especially from buyers dealing in basic and affordable product categories.
“This is not yet a market for very high-end or value-added textile products,” he noted, “but within 1–2 years, the demand for organic, GOTS-certified, or recycled materials will certainly grow.”
Shifting Focus After the Pandemic
Baykar, like many Turkish manufacturers, previously focused on domestic and European markets, which offered high-capacity orders post-pandemic. However, with declining demand in Türkiye and Europe, more companies are now eyeing North Africa and Latin America as viable export destinations.
“Everyone used to work mainly with Russia and Central Asia,” Mr. Dilek explained. “But with rising instability and limited alternatives, it’s time we diversify. Colombia and Mexico can become essential bridges to the U.S. market and beyond.”
Baykar is already building relationships in the region and is considering further expansion into Peru, Ecuador, and Mexico, depending on demand, logistics, and trade agreement advantages. While current tariffs on Turkish products in the region range from 5–10%, competitive pricing may help close the gap with local and Chinese suppliers.
“If word spreads that Turkish mills are exporting to Peru or Ecuador, more companies will follow. We expect many Turkish firms to apply for Colombiamoda 2026.”
Looking Ahead
While sustainability certifications like GOTS and GRS are not yet a major concern among local buyers, Baykar expects them to become standard requirements in the near future. The company plans to return in January for deeper market research and follow-up meetings with potential partners from across Latin America.
Watch the full interview with Mr. Ali Dilek on Kohan Textile Journal YOUTUBE Channel
