Aegean Textile Exports Increased by 126 Percent in the First Half of 2021

Aegean Textile and Raw Materials Exporters’ Association President Jak Eskinazi commented about the export figures for the first six months of 2021. Eskinazi stated the following regarding this success, ‘‘As the Aegean Textile and Raw Materials Exporters’ Association, we closed the month of June with an export volume of 36.5 million US Dollars with an increase of 122 percent compared to the previous month, breaking a record as we did in the first five months of 2021. In the January-June period, our exports increased by 126 percent and while our exports were 92 million US Dollars in the January-June period of the previous year, our exports increased to 208 million US Dollars in the first 6 months of this year. In the first half of this year, the top 5 countries to which we export the most are; Pakistan, China, Italy, Portugal, and India.’’

‘‘Our Goal Should Be Sustainability and Digitalization’’

Saying that two important concepts came to the fore during the pandemic process, Eskinazi emphasized the following issues, ‘‘The first is the changing of habits and the more conscious use of resources, and the second is digitalization. In this period, the priority of our association continued to be sustainability, digitalization, and value-added exports as in every period. Textile is among the sectors that cause the most damage to the environment and cause the most water waste in the world. The goal of post-Covid-19 recovery should be the climate crisis, environmentally friendly production, and digitalization. Countries that build their sustainability and digitalization policies on solid grounds and take action quickly are going to dominate the global economy.’’

Stating that the European Union has determined a roadmap that includes effective regulations to combat climate and environmental challenges with the European Green Deal, Jak Eskinazi expressed that within the scope of the agreement, it is aimed to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and to reduce carbon emissions to zero by 2050 and that new strategies have been determined to reach these goals. Eskinazi continued his statements as follows, ‘‘In order to achieve these targets, new sectoral criteria, taxes, and business models will be implemented gradually. We, as the sector, aim to turn this situation into an opportunity by creating the necessary awareness and making our preparations. The Green Deal may create an opportunity for Turkey to support low-carbon production and thus increase its market share in exports to EU countries by gaining an advantageous position compared to high-carbon countries.’’

‘‘Leading International Brands Buy More Organic Cotton Products from Turkey Every Year’’

Eskinazi reminded that international brands have plans to increase their purchases of organic cotton and cotton yarn products from Turkey every year, and finalized his statements as follows, ‘‘In fact, the orders of some big brands have shifted from the Far East to Turkey. Clothing brands around the world have a goal of purchasing all of the cotton fibers they use in the next 5 years from organic or sustainable cotton fibers such as better cotton. The Aegean Region’s leading position in the production of organic cotton, organic fabric, and organic clothing in the textile industry is an important advantage. Aegean cotton, which is the closest to organic cotton as a region, and the regenerated yarns of Uşak, where 75 percent of the recycled yarn produced in Turkey are produced, are the raw materials that make us stand out. In our province, where cotton, polyester, and wool are recycled and turned into yarn, significant investments have been made in this regard. In 2021, we aim to export with sustainable production compatible with the green economy, leaving less carbon footprint.’’