Status of the Textile Industry in Turkey
1. The Power of Exports
High Export Performance: The Turkish textile sector is an important exporter worldwide, especially to the European Union countries. Exports to the European, US and Middle Eastern markets continue to grow in 2024. Turkish textiles continue to be preferred thanks to their quality products and fast delivery times.
Competition from China and Southeast Asia: However, low-cost production from China and Southeast Asian countries continues to challenge the Turkish textile sector. In order to compete with these countries in 2024, Turkey is rapidly turning to sustainable and value-added products.
2. Sustainability and Green Production
Environmentally Friendly Production: As of 2024, sustainability is one of the main trends in the Turkish textile sector. The European Union’s carbon footprint regulations, in particular, are encouraging Turkish manufacturers to invest in environmentally friendly production processes. Organic cotton production, recycled textiles and water-saving technologies are becoming more common in the sector.
Green Deal and Carbon Tax: The carbon tax practices introduced by the EU within the scope of the Green Deal are a critical issue for Turkish textile exporters. In order not to be affected by this tax, companies are obtaining sustainability certificates in 2024 and taking measures to reduce carbon emissions in their production processes.
3. Technological Innovation and Digitalization
Digital Transformation: Digitalization has accelerated in the textile sector in 2024. Smart textile technologies, artificial intelligence-supported production systems and automation help reduce costs and speed up production processes. Large textile manufacturers, in particular, are increasing their competitiveness in the global market by investing in innovation.
The Rise of E-Commerce: E-commerce, which has grown rapidly after the pandemic, continues to be an important growth area for the Turkish textile industry in 2024. Small and medium-sized enterprises gain a competitive advantage by opening up to global markets through digital platforms.
4. Employment and Social Responsibility
Employment Areas: The textile sector is still one of the sectors that provide the most employment in Turkey. Although improvements in employment are expected in 2024, increases in labor costs may challenge the sector. As companies turn to digitalization to increase efficiency, the need for a qualified workforce is also increasing.
Social Responsibility: Turkey is also making progress in the field of social responsibility in textile production. There has been greater sensitivity in the sector in terms of issues such as workers' rights, fair wages and safe working conditions.
5. Challenges and Opportunities
Energy Costs and Exchange Rates: One of the most challenging factors for the textile sector in Turkey in 2024 is the increase in energy costs and fluctuations in exchange rates. These factors, which increase production costs, create great pressure, especially for small producers.
New Markets and Opportunities: The Turkish textile sector continues its efforts to expand into new markets outside of Europe and the US. New trade opportunities in Africa, Latin America and Asia are on the radar of exporters.
6. Looking to the Future
As of 2024, the Turkish textile sector continues to grow with strategic goals such as sustainability, innovation and new market searches. With increasing global competition, Turkish textile manufacturers are trying to move themselves to a stronger position by investing in value-added, innovative and environmentally friendly products.
