1,5% Increase in Textile and Raw Materials Exports in October

According to the Istanbul Textile and Raw Materials Exporters’ Association (ITHIB) report, the textile and ready-to-wear sector realized $2.3 billion in exports in October, a 2.5% increase compared to the same month last year. $1.3 billion of this was made up of ready-to-wear and garment, while $1 billion was made up of the textile and raw materials sector.

Textile and raw materials sector showed an increase of 1.5% in October compared to the same month of the previous year. The sector, which exported 1.005 billion dollars in October 2023, exported 1.020 billion dollars in October this year.The textile and raw materials sector’s exports in the January-October period decreased by 2.3% to $9.5 billion. The sector’s share in total exports was announced as 4.4%.

Most Exports to EU Countries in January-October Period

In the January-October period of 2024, the largest textile and raw material exports continued to be made to European Union (EU) countries. Exports to EU countries decreased by 1.4% in the January-October period compared to the same period of 2023, reaching 3.9 billion dollars. In October 2024, 420 million dollars of exports were made to EU countries. The second group of countries to which Turkiye exported the most textiles and raw materials were African countries. Exports to African countries increased by 8.8% in the January-October period, reaching 1.1 billion dollars. In October 2024, exports to Africa increased by 13.2%, reaching 123 million dollars.

When we look at exports in terms of quantity in the January-October period of 2024, it is seen that exports to EU countries increased by 8.5%, reaching 866 thousand tons. The second country group with the highest exports in terms of quantity in the same period of 2024 was the Former Eastern Bloc countries, with an increase of 15.9%. 278 thousand tons were exported to these countries.

Emerging Market for Textile and Raw Material Exports: Egypt

When we look at textile and raw material exports by country in the January-October period; Italy comes first. Although exports to Italy decreased by 2.6% in the January-October period to $716 million, the country maintains its position as the most important market in 2024. Italy was followed by the USA with $648 million, Germany with $643 million, and Spain with $446 million in exports. Egypt was the rising market for textile and raw material exports in the January-October period. Exports to Egypt increased by 30.3%, reaching $371 million. In October 2024, the countries with the most exports were as follows: Germany with $73 million, Italy with $72 million, USA with $68 million, Egypt with $45 million, and the UK with $42 million.

1.9 Billion Dollars of Woven Fabric Exports

In the January-October period of 2024, the most important product group in Turkiye’s textile and raw materials sector exports was woven fabric, despite a 4.8% decrease. 1.9 billion dollars of woven fabric exports were realized in the January-October period. Technical textiles followed woven fabrics with a 2.7% increase, yarn with a 4.6% increase, and knitted fabric with a 7.1% decrease. The highest woven fabric exports were to Spain, Italy, Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt, respectively. Woven fabric exports to Spain increased by 26.1%, reaching approximately 228 million dollars.

2.7% Increase in Technical Textile Exports

The second most exported product group was technical textiles. Technical textile exports increased by 2.7% in the January-October period of 2024 compared to the same period of 2023. Approximately 1.9 billion dollars of technical textile exports were realized during this period. The most exports were made to the USA with a 26.5% increase. 161 million dollars of exports were made to this country. The USA was followed by Germany with 150 million dollars, Italy with 139 million dollars, and England with 104 million dollars.

Turkiye Exported $1.8 Billion Worth of Yarn in January-October Period

The third product group with the most exports in the January-October period of 2024 was yarn with an increase of 4.6%. $1.8 billion worth of yarn was exported in the January-October period. Yarn exports increased by 11.8% in October 2024, reaching $202 million. The highest yarn exports in the January-October period were to Italy with $185 million. The countries to which the most yarn was exported were as follows: England ($148 million), Egypt ($147 million), USA ($135 million), and Portugal ($132 million).

7.1% Decrease in Knitted Fabric Exports

In the January-October period of 2024, knitted fabric exports decreased by 7.1%. During this period, Turkiye’s knitted fabric exports decreased to 1.5 billion dollars. In the relevant period, the highest knitted fabric exports were made to Italy with a decrease of 6.1%. 157 million dollars of knitted fabrics were exported to Italy in the January-October period. Other countries with the highest knitted fabric exports are as follows: Bulgaria (128 million dollars), Morocco (86 million dollars), Ukraine (56 million dollars) and Serbia (53 million dollars).

The Future of the Sector is in High Value Added Products

While the increase in the overall exports of the Turkish textile and raw materials sector in October paints a positive picture, especially on the ready-to-wear and garment side, the declines in raw materials and woven fabrics reveal some risks regarding the sector. However, the increase in new markets such as Africa and Egypt shows that the Turkish textile industry has started to increase its geographical diversity.

The increase in exports of value-added products such as technical textiles and yarns emphasises the success of the Turkish textile industry in high-tech production. The growth in these product groups is a promising development for the future of the sector.

In summary, although an upward trend is observed in Turkiye’s textile and raw materials exports in general, market diversity and product group-based differences require strategic steps to be taken for the sustainable growth of the sector. The future of the sector will depend on export increases especially in high value-added products and the discovery of new markets.