Industry leaders highlight sustainability, value-added production and digital transformation as key drivers for long-term competitiveness
The Turkish textile industry generated US$4.708 billion in export revenue during the first six months of 2026, demonstrating the sector’s resilience despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, weakening global demand and increasing international competition.
According to export data released by the Southeastern Anatolia Exporters’ Associations (GAIB), Türkiye exported approximately 1.23 million tons of textile products to 196 countries and free zones between January and June 2026.
Fabrics Continue to Dominate Turkish Textile Exports
Fabrics remained Türkiye’s largest textile export category, accounting for US$2.874 billion of total exports during the period.
Yarn exports reached US$1.218 billion, while fiber exports totaled US$616.5 million, highlighting the country’s diversified textile manufacturing base that spans the entire value chain.
On a regional basis, Istanbul maintained its leadership position with textile exports worth US$1.829 billion, followed by Gaziantep (US$780 million), Bursa (US$626.7 million) and Kahramanmaraş (US$375.1 million).
Read more: 12 Things You Should Know About Türkiye’s Textile and Apparel Industry
Europe Remains the Largest Export Destination
The European Union continued to be Türkiye’s largest export market, purchasing textile products worth US$1.808 billion during the first half of the year.
Among individual countries, Italy ranked first, followed by the United States and Spain. Meanwhile, exports to African markets recorded positive growth, increasing 4.9% year-on-year to US$764.4 million, reflecting Türkiye’s growing commercial presence across the continent.
Industry Faces Transformation Rather Than Decline
Commenting on the sector’s performance, Ahmet Öksüz, Vice Chairman of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) and Head of the Textiles and Raw Materials Sector Council, emphasized that the current figures should be viewed within the context of global economic conditions rather than as an indication of the industry’s long-term potential.
He noted that global textile manufacturing is undergoing a structural transformation driven by changing supply chains, sustainability requirements and shifting sourcing strategies.
According to Öksüz, competition is increasingly based on quality, speed, sustainability, technology and innovation, rather than price alone.
Value-Added Manufacturing Will Define Future Growth
Öksüz stressed that maintaining Türkiye’s global competitiveness will require stronger investment in:
- Technical and functional textiles
- Digital transformation
- Research & Development
- Sustainable manufacturing
- Higher value-added production
He also highlighted Türkiye’s integrated textile supply chain, strong manufacturing capabilities and fast delivery advantages as strategic assets that continue to attract international buyers.
Read more: Türkiye Strengthens Global Home Textile Leadership as Exports Reach $767 Million in Early 2026
Outlook for the Second Half of 2026
Looking ahead, industry representatives remain cautiously optimistic.
If global demand continues to recover gradually and geopolitical uncertainties stabilize, Türkiye’s textile industry expects to achieve a stronger and more balanced performance during the second half of 2026.
With its integrated production ecosystem, experienced workforce and continued investment in technology, Türkiye remains one of the world’s leading textile sourcing destinations despite a challenging global business environment.
