Top Textile Companies in Azerbaijan

The Evolution of Azerbaijan’s Textile Industry

Azerbaijan’s textile industry has a rich history intertwined with the nation’s cultural and economic fabric. For centuries, the production of yarn, clothes, carpets, leather, and shoes has been more than just a trade; it has been a reflection of Azerbaijan’s heritage and identity. The processing of silk and wool, in particular, has become a defining feature of Azerbaijani society, with certain items earning recognition as intangible cultural heritage. The traditional art and symbolism of Kelaghayi, the creation of women’s silk headscarves, and the ancient craft of carpet weaving have been enshrined in UNESCO‘s list of intangible cultural heritage, underscoring their importance to the nation’s cultural legacy.

Today, Azerbaijan is investing heavily in modernizing its textile industry, seeking to blend its rich traditions with contemporary innovation. Key initiatives, such as the “State Program for the Development of Cotton Growing from 2017 to 2022,” aim to steer the industry toward greater efficiency and global competitiveness.

The Economic Landscape of Azerbaijan’s Textile Industry

In 2019, Azerbaijan’s textile industry reached a significant milestone, with the retail value of yarn items, apparel, and footwear exceeding 1.5 billion EUR. Leading the charge in this burgeoning market is Baku Textiles LLC, a major player in the industry, boasting a production capacity of over 5,000 different textile products. That same year, Azerbaijan exported textile fabrics worth 2.2 million EUR to the European Union. The majority of these exports consisted of worn clothing (79%), followed by articles of apparel and clothing accessories (not knitted and crocheted) at 10%, cotton at 6%, and carpets and coverings at 1%.

The backbone of Azerbaijan’s textile industry is its Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), which are predominantly located in Baku and other major cities. These SMEs are instrumental in driving the industry forward, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques.

The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of Azerbaijan’s Textile Sector

Azerbaijan’s textile industry has deep historical roots. During the pre-independence period, the industry thrived, particularly in Baku, where the largest cotton fabric factory in Transcaucasia and the first sewing factory in Azerbaijan were established in the late 19th century. By 1913, Azerbaijan produced 300 tons of raw silk, 22,000 tons of cotton wool, and 4,000 tons of wool, accounting for a significant portion of the Russian Empire’s textile output.

The Soviet era further bolstered the textile industry, with the establishment of numerous factories across the country, including the broadcloth factory in Ganja and the silk factory in Sheki. However, the industry’s fortunes waned following Azerbaijan’s independence, leading to a period of decline.

Since 2015, the Azerbaijani government has undertaken several initiatives to revitalize the textile industry. The focus has been on increasing cotton production, a key raw material for the industry. In 2018, Azerbaijan harvested approximately 230,000 tons of cotton, although productivity remains below global averages. The Ministry of Agriculture is now working on scientific measures to boost productivity and ensure the industry’s long-term sustainability.

Corporate Clothing and the Rise of Sumgayit as a Textile Hub

Corporate clothing represents a significant segment of Azerbaijan’s textile market, encompassing the production of uniforms and special attire for various sectors, including the military, medical, and service industries. Baku and Sumgayit have emerged as key hubs for the textile industry, offering favorable conditions for the establishment and growth of textile enterprises. Sumgayit, in particular, has attracted significant investment due to its ample space and lower land prices.

One of the most prominent enterprises in the Sumgayit region is Gilan Textile Park, a global leader in textile production. Since its establishment in 2012, Gilan Textile Park has grown rapidly, contributing to Azerbaijan’s reputation on the world stage. The park’s diverse product offerings include home textiles, such as bedding and towels, as well as yarn and woven fabrics that are exported to countries like Turkey, Russia, and Ukraine.

Technological Advancements and Product Innovation

Gilan Textile Park is at the forefront of technological innovation in Azerbaijan’s textile industry. The park’s yarn factory, for example, utilizes state-of-the-art equipment from world-renowned manufacturers like Rieter (Switzerland) and Muratec (Japan) to produce high-quality cotton yarn. The factory’s monthly production capacity is an impressive 330 tons of yarn.

The weaving factory, equipped with advanced machinery from Germany, Belgium, and Italy, produces a wide range of fabrics, including cretonne, satin, and gabardine. The park’s dye factories employ four different dyeing methods—reactive, pigment, disperse, and indanthrene—to ensure the highest quality of finished products. Additionally, the park houses two laboratories dedicated to color studies and industrial testing, ensuring that all products meet international standards.

The sewing factory at Gilan Textile Park specializes in the production of workers’ uniforms, military attire, and home textiles. With a monthly production capacity of 91,000 shirts, 70 tons of towels, and 22,000 sets of bed linen, the factory is a key player in Azerbaijan’s textile industry. The factory is equipped with cutting-edge equipment from Germany, Japan, and the United States, ensuring efficiency and precision in production.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gilan Textile Park also launched a medical mask factory, contributing to the global fight against the virus. The factory produces 300,000 masks daily, using non-woven fabric imported from abroad.

The Future of Azerbaijan’s Textile Industry

As Azerbaijan continues to invest in the modernization and expansion of its textile industry, the sector is poised for significant growth. The establishment of competitive production facilities, such as Gilan Textile Park, is reducing the country’s reliance on the oil industry and providing valuable employment opportunities.

The government’s focus on scientific advancements, productivity improvements, and sustainable practices is paving the way for a more robust and competitive textile industry. By blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, Azerbaijan is not only preserving its rich cultural heritage but also positioning itself as a key player in the global textile market. The future of Azerbaijan’s textile industry is bright, with the potential to make a lasting impact on both the national economy and the international stage.

Azerbaijan Textile Trade: Key Import and Export Stats

• Azerbaijan Textile And Apparel Sector Exports Contribution : USD $ 135.1 M (in Million) Top 10 Textile and Clothing Export Countries By Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan Textile Market Sector Exports Products To Majorly In Turkey With USD $ 78.41 M (In Million) Estimate Export Market Share (58.03%), Russian Federation USD $ 78.41 M (In Million) Exports Sector Contribution (58.03%), Iran, Islamic Rep. USD $ 7.92 M (In Million) Exports Share (5.86%), Ukraine USD $ 3.9 M (In Million) Exports Market Percentage (2.89%), Belarus USD $ 2.95 M (In Million) Exports Contribution (2.18%).

• Azerbaijan Textile And Clothing Sector Import Contribution : USD $ 431.04 M (in Million) Azerbaijan’s Top 10 Textile and Garment Imports From Countries

Azerbaijan Imports Textile Clothing Products Worldwide Are As Follow Turkey Around USD $ 183.7 M (In Million) With Import Share (42.62%), China Around USD $ 123.25 M (In Million) With Import Share (28.59%), Iran, Islamic Rep. Around USD $ 18.77 M (In Million) With Import Share (4.35%), Italy Around USD $ 18.73 M (In Million) With Import Share (4.35%), Bangladesh Around USD $ 11.61 M (In Million) With Import Share (2.69%).

International Cooperation and Projects in Azerbaijan’s Textile Sector

Azerbaijani Firms Export Cotton Fibre to Turkmenistan

In 2023, Azerbaijani companies like MKT IK, Azerpambig, and P-Agro began exporting cotton fibre to Turkmenistan, marking a significant step in regional trade. According to the Economic Zone Development Agency (EZDA), 30,000 tonnes of cotton fibre will initially be shipped from Baku International Sea Trade Port to Turkmenistan.

Climate-Smart Agriculture Boosts Cotton Production in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan’s cotton production has more than doubled thanks to climate-smart agricultural (CSA) practices, supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations. The introduction of a new cotton variety, combined with CSA techniques, has increased yields from three to eight tonnes per hectare. A pilot project launched in 2021 trained local researchers and farmers, with a 10% adoption rate potentially increasing production by 166%.

India and Azerbaijan Explore Textile Cooperation

In January 2023, the Embassy of India organized a textile business meet in Azerbaijan, fostering potential business cooperation between the two nations. Despite minimal apparel exports from India to Azerbaijan, the meeting aimed to revitalize and explore new opportunities in the textile sector.

Top Textile Companies in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan offers several advantages for the textile and apparel sectors, including low wage costs, tax incentives, and a well-educated labor force. The country’s rich cotton production further boosts the growth of its textile industry. Azerbaijani textile products are primarily exported to Turkey, Russia, Iran, Ukraine, and Belarus, demonstrating the industry’s global reach.

Several renowned Azerbaijani companies are recognized for producing high-quality textile products for export. This report highlights the top nine textile companies in Azerbaijan, showcasing their contributions to the country’s growing reputation in the global textile market.

Giltex

www.giltex.az/

In Azerbaijan as well as the entire South Caucasus, Gilan Textile Park is the sole business created using the vertical integration approach. A spinning factory, two weaving factories, two dyeing factories, a garment factory, and a factory that makes medical masks make up the company.

Today, the Gilan Textile Park manufactures yarn, woven and knitted fabrics, bed linen, towels, bathrobes, blankets, pillows, as well as specialized apparel that is fireproof and waterproof, uniforms for various uses, clothing for the military and hospitals, etc. Moreover, the company has begun producing medical masks as a way to aid in the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic.

Gilan Textile Park is able to produce textiles that satisfy the highest standards of quality thanks to the coexistence of rich traditions and cutting-edge technology. As a result, the goods are used to embellish a large portion of Azerbaijani homes and to comfort travelers staying in hotels there and nearby nations.

More than half of the Gilan Textile Park’s goods are exported, proudly displaying the “Made in Azerbaijan” label. The Gilan Textile Park’s goods have been awarded a Conformity Certificate under the AZS National Certification System. Additionally, the company was awarded Oeko-TEX® Standard 100 accreditation for its compliance with environmental standards for locally made woven and knitted fabrics, bed linen, and clothing.

Caspian Textile

www.caspiantextile.com/az

Caspian Textile LLC operates in the production of various types of workwear and other clothing that adhere to modern standards. The company’s sewing factory is outfitted with advanced equipment and includes specialized shops for sewing, cutting, dyeing, embroidering, ironing, and packaging. Additionally, a model design and construction bureau supports the creation of innovative and tailored designs.

Our experienced team is dedicated to providing high-quality garments that meet your specific needs. We offer expert recommendations and can develop new models through a specialized program to fully align with your preferences. Whether standard workwear or custom-designed clothing, Caspian Textile LLC ensures every product is crafted with precision, durability, and style.

Baku Textile Factory

www.en.btf.az/

Established in 1939, the Baku Textile Factory (BTF) was the first textile mill in the Caucasus region. The factory produces a wide range of products, including school uniforms, medical uniforms, workwear, sportswear, underwear, and socks.

All products are made with high-quality, reliable materials under safe working conditions, adhering to international and European standards. BTF continually innovates and enhances its operational procedures, aiming for sustainable growth and market leadership both domestically and internationally.

The company’s commitment to excellence, integrity, and teamwork drives its efforts to support innovation and expand its presence in both internal and external markets. Through this dedication, BTF continues to strengthen its reputation as a trusted leader in the textile industry.

Esen Textile

www.esen.az/en/

At Esen Textile Company, we specialize in producing high-quality clothing and uniforms tailored to meet diverse customer needs. Established in Saray settlement, our modern textile facility began construction on January 4, 2022, and has rapidly evolved into a center of creativity and innovation.

Our factory features several key areas designed for optimal efficiency:

Checkpoint and Entrance Gate: 165 m²
Office: 720 m²
Canteen and Auxiliary Rooms: 720 m², offering a comfortable environment for employee breaks and creativity
Production Area: 3,750 m², where advanced machinery transforms raw materials into top-quality fabrics
Boiler Room: 130 m²
Asphalt Area: 10,500 m²
Technical and Green Zones

The production area is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including 226 sewing machines, 4 embroidery machines, 41 ironing and pressing machines, and 10 fabric turning press machines. Our facility supports 235 production staff and encompasses a total area of 3,750 m², ensuring high standards in every aspect of our operation.

Alyans Textile LLC

www.alyanstekstil.com
Based in Sumgayit city, “Alyans Textile” LLC specializes in the production of workwear and special wear, such as overalls, suits, and jackets. Additionally, the company is a wholesaler of safety footwear and various Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including respirators, helmets, gloves, and earplugs. With a dedicated team of 134 employees, Alyans manages the entire process from textile design to the production of shelf-ready products. During recent RECP (Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production) monitoring visits, the company has shown a strong interest in enhancing its production processes, particularly focusing on energy efficiency and waste management improvements.

BETEX Textile LLC

www.betekstextile.com

BETEX Textile LLC, located in the Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park, is a textile manufacturer established in December 2020. Equipped with modern facilities, the company specializes in producing trousers, shirts, robes, and other clothing items. With a workforce of 18 employees, BETEX handles both domestic and international orders, mainly from Turkey. The company occasionally collaborates with workers from Baku Textile LLC to meet large order volumes. Previously, BETEX also produced medical masks.

BETEX Textile LLC is actively participating in the UNIDO RECP Project under EU4Environment as a Demonstration Company, alongside Alyans Textile LLC and Baku Textile LLC. The project aims to promote resource efficiency and cleaner production (RECP) practices. BETEX is focused on reducing waste, improving energy efficiency, and boosting energy production from renewable sources by installing solar panels. Visits from the RECP project team in 2021 and 2022 identified opportunities for BETEX to enhance its resource usage and minimize waste. Once the resource efficiency reports are completed, BETEX aims to reduce its environmental impact, increase efficiency, and gain a competitive edge, contributing to a circular and sustainable textile industry.

Azeripek

www.azeripek.com

Under the direction of Kamran Nabizade, General Director of Azerbaijan Industrial Corporation Open Joint Stock Company, Azeripek was established in 2018.

Azeripek specializes in cocoon production, weaving, dyeing, and cotton spinning. The company is known for producing high-quality 100% natural raw silk, scarves, and other silk products. These items are exported to countries including Turkey, India, Iran, Russia, Ukraine, and beyond.

Mingachevir Textile

www.mingachevirtextile.com/

Mingachevir Textile, a leading Azerbaijani manufacturer, specializes in premium cotton and cotton-polyester yarn. Committed to adhering to international standards, the company consistently delivers high-quality products on time, ensuring complete customer satisfaction.

To achieve this, Mingachevir Textile employs highly skilled specialists and utilizes advanced technologies in its production processes. The company emphasizes systematic management and innovation, selecting suppliers and partners who also meet international standards. A key focus for Mingachevir Textile is environmental responsibility; the company takes rigorous measures to prevent pollution and minimize its environmental impact throughout the production cycle.

Azerkhalcha

www.azerxalca.az

Among the top garment manufacturing companies in Azerbaijan, “Azerkhalcha” is a leading manufacturer of hand-woven carpets. The company plans to invest USD 22 million in 2018 and 2019 and launch 30 more branches in the country. It also plans to export handmade carpets to Japan.

Azerkhalcha has a 25000 square meter factory with a capacity of producing a wide range of production. The factory’s products include traditional Azerbaijani carpets, as well as various creative variations. Most of the factory’s production is sold abroad. The company is planning to open more branches in the Tovuz region and has launched its first branch in the Horadiz settlement.

In January 2017, the company’s first 100 carpets were exhibited at the Hanover trade show. The production of Azerkhalcha will also be exported to other countries, including Russia and Turkey. In addition, the company’s goods have been awarded the Oeko-TEX Standard 100 accreditation.

Azerkhalcha is dedicated to producing export-quality carpets and has been investing in advanced technologies to enhance production standards. With strong government support, the company is developing a national brand for Azerbaijani carpets and has launched a significant promotional campaign to boost the carpet weaving industry.

Aiming for a thirty percent increase in hand-woven carpet production by 2020, Azerkhalcha plans to employ 5,000 workers and open ten new carpet weaving factories across Azerbaijan. Already recognized in international markets, the company seeks to expand its global reach by signing a free trade agreement with Turkey. Products will feature the prestigious “Azerbaijan Carpet” label, further establishing their identity and quality on the global stage.