Q2 2025 Overall Performance and Challenges
The second quarter of 2025 continued to present a mixed picture for the Turkish textile and apparel sector. While TİM's overall export figures for Turkey showed growth in April, May, and June, the textile and apparel sector faced specific headwinds. Data from various sources indicates a decline in apparel exports during the first half of 2025, continuing the downward trend from previous years. TİM President Mustafa Gültepe and other industry leaders have emphasized the strategic importance of the ready-to-wear sector due to its high value-added production and contribution to employment, and have called for additional support.
Strategic Priorities
In response to these challenges, the sector's focus has been on implementing key strategies to enhance competitiveness and ensure long-term sustainability. The following points were highlighted in official statements and reports:
- → Focus on High-Value Products: Shifting production from high-volume, low-margin goods to high-value, branded, and technical textiles. The technical textile sub-sector, in particular, has been identified as a growth driver with a target of reaching $2.5 billion in exports.
- → Market Diversification and Promotion: Industry associations like DENIB continue to actively promote Turkish home textile products in new and key markets. Events such as the HOMETEX fair in Istanbul, which attracted a large number of international visitors, were critical for establishing new business connections.
- → Addressing Cost and Competitiveness: Sector representatives have consistently voiced concerns about rising costs, particularly in energy and raw materials, and the significant price gap with competing countries.
In summary, the second quarter of 2025 for the Turkish textile sector was a period of both difficulty and strategic adaptation. Despite a decline in overall apparel exports, the industry remains committed to a long-term vision focused on quality, innovation, and market expansion to overcome current economic challenges.
