The presence of textile and apparel manufacturers among Turkey’s top 1000 industrial enterprises has declined sharply in recent years, according to the latest data from the Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO). This year’s figures reveal that only 12% of the firms featured in the ISO 500 and Second 500 lists belong to the textile, clothing, or leather sectors—down from 17% in 2019.
In 2019, a total of 169 textile-related companies were included in the ISO 1000 lists. By 2024, that number had dropped to 121. Of these, just 32 made it to the ISO 500, while 89 appeared in the Second 500 ranking. This represents the sector’s lowest share in over a decade, highlighting growing structural challenges and shifting dynamics within Turkish industry.
This downward trend is particularly stark when compared to historical data. Between 2012 and 2021, the textile and clothing sectors consistently accounted for at least 15% of ISO-listed firms. But in 2024, that threshold was breached for the first time, raising concerns across the sector. Notably, no leather manufacturers have appeared in the rankings since 2021, signaling a deepening contraction in that segment.
Merinos Halı Maintains Sector Leadership Despite Ranking Drop
While Merinos Halı dropped from 73rd place last year to 106th in 2024, it still holds the position of the highest-ranked company in the textile and apparel category. Meanwhile, İskur Tekstil made its debut on the ISO 500 list, entering at 499th place.
The top 10 textile and apparel companies in the ISO 500 list for 2024 are:
- Merinos Halı (106)
- Gülsan Sentetik Dokuma (140)
- Kipaş Mensucat (148)
- Kordsa Teknik Tekstil (176)
- Sanko Tekstil (177)
- Hugo Boss Tekstil (216)
- Karafiber Tekstil (218)
- Melike Tekstil (237)
- Almaxtex Tekstil (247)
- Sun Tekstil (249)
New Players Join the Second 500 List
Boyteks Tekstil, which held 490th place in 2023, moved to the Second 500 list and now ranks 3rd. The 2024 Second 500 also welcomed 12 new companies, including familiar names like Penti, Nazar Tekstil, and Hascevher Tekstil.
Top 10 textile and apparel firms in the ISO Second 500 list include:
- Boyteks Tekstil (3)
- İskur Boya Tekstil (16)
- Menderes Tekstil (19)
- Biska Tekstil (20)
- Üniteks (22)
- Kartal Halı (23)
- Çelikaslan Tekstil (30)
- Harput Tekstil (47)
- Orta Anadolu T.A.Ş. (50)
- Küçükçalık Tekstil (51)
Sector Faces Complex Challenges
Industry experts say the decline reflects a combination of rising production costs, tightening global competition, and shifting investment priorities. While Turkey remains a global hub for textile production and export, the latest figures show the need for renewed focus on value-added manufacturing, digital transformation, and global branding strategies to retain competitive edge.
As Turkey’s textile and garment industry continues to navigate economic pressures, innovation, sustainability, and strategic partnerships will be key to maintaining its position on the international stage.
