Mario Jorge Machado, President of the European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX), reiterated Turkey’s critical role in the EU supply chain:
“Turkey is the EU’s third-largest textile and apparel supplier, after China and Bangladesh. Over 40% of Turkey’s textile and apparel exports go to Europe—a trade supported by geographic proximity, product quality, and a shared commitment to sustainability.”
He praised Turkey’s active involvement in EURATEX through four key national associations and highlighted the need for a resilient, regionalized supply chain model in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions:
“We are entering a new era where supply chain diversification and sourcing from nearby regions are no longer optional but essential. With its flexible production, robust capacity, and fast lead times, Turkey is perfectly positioned as an ideal partner for the EU.”