Türkiye’s textile and raw materials exports totaled US$3.7 billion during the January–April 2026 period, representing a 2% year-on-year decline, according to the latest Export Performance Report published by the Istanbul Textile and Raw Materials Exporters’ Association. Despite the decline, combined exports of the textile and apparel sectors increased by 2%, reaching US$8.2 billion, supported by stronger demand in several international markets.
U.S. and Americas Drive Export Growth
One of the most significant developments during the first four months of 2026 was the sharp increase in exports to the Americas, which became the fourth-largest export destination for Türkiye’s textile industry.
Textile exports to the region surged by 232%, rising from US$104.6 million to US$347.7 million compared with the same period last year. April alone recorded an even stronger performance, with exports to the Americas increasing by 303% year-on-year.
Among individual markets, the United States emerged as one of the strongest performers. Textile exports to the U.S. reached US$274 million during January–April, representing an increase of 16.6% compared with the previous year. In April alone, exports to the U.S. climbed 40%, the highest growth among Türkiye’s top export destinations.
European Union Remains Largest Market
The European Union continued to be Türkiye’s largest export destination, accounting for 41% of total textile exports.
During the first four months of the year, textile exports to EU member states reached US$1.5 billion, although this represented a modest 1.5% decline compared with the same period in 2025.
Africa ranked as the second-largest regional market, with exports increasing 3% to US$518.9 million, while exports to the Former Eastern Bloc countries declined by 10%, totaling US$414.2 million.
Italy, U.S. and Germany Lead Country Rankings
The five largest individual export markets during the January–April period were:
- Italy – US$294 million
- United States – US$274 million
- Germany – US$225 million
- Spain – US$208 million
- Egypt – US$190 million
While exports to Italy, Germany, Spain and Egypt remained relatively stable, the United States continued to outperform other major destinations.
Among the top ten export markets in April, only Belarus recorded a decline, while Italy (+21%) and Morocco (+20%) also posted strong growth.
Read More: Turkish Textile Firm Targets Kenya in Africa Expansion Drive
Technical Textiles and Yarn Exports Show Positive Momentum
Woven fabrics remained Türkiye’s largest textile export category during the first four months of 2026, increasing by 2%.
Technical textile exports reached US$773 million, with the United States becoming the largest single destination, accounting for 10% of total exports. Shipments to the U.S. increased 22%, reaching approximately US$80 million.
Yarn exports totaled US$742 million, with Italy, Egypt, Portugal, the United States and the United Kingdom ranking among the leading markets. Once again, the United States recorded the strongest growth, with yarn exports rising 51% to US$58 million.
Home textile exports reached US$529 million during the period. Germany remained the largest destination, followed by the United States, although both markets experienced modest declines. Iraq and Belarus recorded the fastest growth in home textile imports from Türkiye.
Employment and Capacity Utilization Continue to Decline
Despite improving export performance in several markets, the Turkish textile industry continues to face domestic challenges.
According to the report, capacity utilization in the textile industry declined by 1.5% over the latest twelve-month period, while overall manufacturing utilization fell by 0.7%.
Employment also remains under pressure. In February 2026, total employment across Türkiye’s textile and apparel sectors stood at approximately 838,000, remaining below the 900,000 threshold for several consecutive months.
