HOMETEX, one of the world’s largest and most influential home textile exhibitions, is preparing for a new era with plans to expand its footprint beyond Turkey. Organized by the Turkish Home Textile Industrialists and Businessmen Association (TETSİAD) in cooperation with Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry subsidiary KFA Fuarcılık, the fair has become a cornerstone event for the global home textile sector.
According to Ufuk Ocak, Vice President of TETSİAD, discussions are underway to launch HOMETEX World, a series of international fairs and national pavilions that will showcase Turkish home textile excellence in key global markets.
“HOMETEX is already Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the US’s largest home textile gathering. But our vision is bigger: we aim to carry HOMETEX beyond Istanbul, creating global platforms where Turkish companies can connect with international buyers,” Ocak said.
A Record-Breaking Edition
The most recent edition of HOMETEX, held in May at Istanbul Expo Center, welcomed over 175,000 visitors across 11 halls and 200,000 sqm of exhibition space. Despite global challenges affecting trade fairs, HOMETEX has achieved consistent growth, supported by international advertising campaigns and TETSİAD’s UR-GE (International Competitiveness Development Project), which brings thousands of foreign buyers to Istanbul each year.
Strong Government Support
The Turkish government has recognized HOMETEX as a prestigious fair, increasing official incentives for exhibitors from TRY 300,000 to TRY 1.3 million, with annual adjustments tied to inflation. This significant support is expected to encourage even broader participation by domestic producers.
Outlook for 2026
Preparations are already underway for HOMETEX 2026, scheduled for May in Istanbul. Organizers expect another strong edition, driven by new product launches, international delegations, and increased global visibility.
“We believe the world will soon emerge from its current crises, and when it does, Istanbul will be the address for home textiles,” Ocak emphasized. “We are optimistic, well-prepared, and excited to host the industry’s global leaders once again.”
A Sector with Strong Export Performance
Turkey’s home textile industry continues to deliver a positive trade balance, with annual exports exceeding USD 3 billion compared to imports of USD 760 million. The sector’s average export price is USD 8.75 per kilogram, five times higher than the Turkish average of USD 1.7 per kilogram across all industries – underscoring the sector’s high added value.
Ocak concluded by stressing the industry’s strategic goal:
“Our target is to raise the average export price of Turkish home textiles to over USD 10 per kilogram, while continuing to expand employment and global market share.”
