The United States’ sweeping trade policy changes, announced by President Donald Trump on April 2, 2025, have introduced a universal 10% import tariff on all goods entering the U.S., with additional country-specific tariffs to follow on April 9. While these new duties are expected to significantly disrupt global trade—particularly for textile-exporting nations—Türkiye’s textile industry may be uniquely positioned to gain a competitive edge.
The tariff on Turkish textiles is set to rise from 4.92% to 14.92%, a notable increase, but still far lower than the new rates imposed on key textile-exporting competitors: China (34%), Vietnam (46%), and India (26%). This disparity may enhance Türkiye’s competitiveness in the U.S. market, particularly in high-value segments such as premium fabrics, apparel, and home textiles, where the country is already well-regarded.
In 2024, Türkiye exported $620 million worth of textiles to the U.S., and the United States ranked as Türkiye’s second-largest textile export destination, accounting for 6.8% of its total textile and raw material exports, according to İTKİB (Istanbul Textile and Apparel Exporters’ Associations). In carpets and textile floor coverings alone, Türkiye recorded a $820 million trade surplus, underlining the sector’s strategic importance.
Despite this positive outlook, experts warn of potential setbacks. The new tariffs replace previously low or even zero percent rates for some Turkish textile goods. As a result, the cost of Turkish exports to the U.S. will rise, potentially affecting price-sensitive segments of the market. Additionally, domestic challenges—including rising input costs, inflationary pressures, and a volatile exchange rate—could further impact exporters’ profit margins.
However, the broader trade context offers new openings. With U.S. importers actively seeking to reduce dependency on Chinese and Southeast Asian supply chains, Türkiye stands out as a geopolitically stable, quality-driven, and logistically favorable alternative. Its textile industry already benefits from deep integration with EU standards, strong infrastructure, and a skilled workforce.
Economist Mahfi Eğilmez highlighted that these tariffs, while burdensome for some, may strategically benefit Türkiye, as they level the playing field against larger, lower-cost producers. He noted that this shift could “usher in a new era of trade realignment, with Türkiye emerging as a primary textile supplier to the U.S.”
The sector also plays a vital role in job creation and industrial growth, employing 27.8% of Türkiye’s manufacturing labor force and contributing 15.2% of manufacturing output. The government and industry stakeholders are now expected to double down on export promotion, trade diplomacy, and market diversification to fully capitalize on the changing global trade dynamics.
As Türkiye navigates this evolving landscape, the U.S. tariffs—originally intended to protect American industry—could inadvertently elevate Türkiye’s position in the global textile supply chain, if supported by strategic domestic policies and investment in competitiveness.
