As global textile manufacturers search for new markets in a rapidly changing trade environment, ÖZSAR Tekstil, one of Türkiye’s long-established fabric producers, made a strong entrance at Colombiamoda 2025, showcasing its expertise in knitted fabrics and strategic ambitions for Latin America.
Founded in 1968 by the Sartık family, ÖZSAR Tekstil has grown into a vertically integrated textile enterprise with its own dyeing house, 320 employees, and a monthly capacity of 1,000 tons. Currently, the company exports approximately 500 tons of knitted fabric to international markets and supplies the same volume domestically.
In an exclusive interview with Kohan Textile Journal, Mr. Ali Yasin Sartık, Managing Director of ÖZSAR Tekstil, shared insights into the company’s journey, market strategy, and plans for the Latin American region.
“We’ve always believed in distributing risk by diversifying markets,” said Mr. Sartık. “South America, with its large population and strong textile consumption—especially in the middle and lower-income segments—is a natural fit for our offerings.”
Latin America: A Promising Landscape for Knitted Fabrics
Mr. Sartık emphasized that the region shows demand not only for knitted fabrics but also for woven fabrics, accessories, and textile raw materials. With growing tariffs on Chinese imports in countries like Colombia, Venezuela, Costa Rica, and Ecuador, Turkish textile exporters have a valuable window of opportunity to position themselves as quality alternatives.
“Many people here still don’t know that Türkiye is a major textile powerhouse,” he noted. “This presents a unique opportunity for Turkish companies to enter and educate the market.”
ÖZSAR’s booth, supported by KUZEY Expo House, attracted buyers from across the Americas, including the U.S., signaling that Colombiamoda is not just a regional fair but a continental networking hub.
Sustainability and Resilience: A Core Business Philosophy
Operating 24/7, ÖZSAR Tekstil is committed to long-term growth even during global downturns. The company holds various sustainability certifications and monitors its carbon footprint closely, reflecting its commitment to responsible manufacturing.
“We don’t just survive the crisis; we use it to build future capacity,” Sartık stated. “We believe that those who stay active and focused during challenging times will be the winners when the market rebounds.”
A Warmer Market with Growing Fashion Influence
Mr. Sartık highlighted that South American buyers are more open, friendly, and fashion-conscious compared to other regions like Russia or the U.K. He noted the high female population and strong culture of self-expression through clothing as key drivers for textile consumption.
“They care about fashion. You see bold, unique styles everywhere, especially among women. That’s a strong indicator of textile demand,” he said.
Looking ahead, ÖZSAR Tekstil plans to strengthen its presence in the region and participate in future editions of Colombiamoda. With a diversified product portfolio, proven production capacity, and a long-term vision, the company is positioning itself as a reliable Turkish partner for Latin America’s growing apparel sector.
📽️ Watch the full interview with Mr. Ali Yasin Sartık on the Kohan Textile Journal YouTube channel.
