HOMETEX 2025 Brought the Home Textile Industry Together

One of the largest and most prestigious international gatherings in the home textiles sector, HOMETEX opened its doors at the Istanbul Expo Center. Organized by the leadership of the Turkish Home Textile Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association (TETSİAD), the event brought together global players from across the industry.

Held across 11 halls covering a total area of 200,000 square meters, HOMETEX 2025 hosted nearly 700 companies showcasing their innovative collections and high-tech products. The opening ceremony was attended by Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat, Turkish Exporters’ Assembly (TİM) President Mustafa Gültepe, Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTSO) and KFA Fairs Chairman İbrahim Burkay, TETSİAD President Hasan Hüseyin Bayram, as well as numerous members of parliament, chamber and exchange presidents, export union leaders, and sector representatives.

TURKiye BECOMES A TRADE FAIR HUB

Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat emphasized that HOMETEX 2025 showcases Turkiye’s achievements in the trade fair industry. He stated that the fair, held for the past 32 years, now spans 11 halls and 200,000 square meters. Bolat noted, “There were well-known home textile fairs in Europe, but now Turkiye has practically become the center of trade fairs. Our fairs in apparel, textiles, ceramics, jewelry, furniture, and carpets have become global brands. This reflects how far Turkiye has come.”

$3 BILLION EXPORT TARGET FOR HOME TEXTILES

Minister Bolat highlighted that Turkiye ranks fourth globally and third among EU suppliers in home textiles. He stated that the sector reached $2.9 billion in exports in 2024, and in the first four months of 2025, exports increased by 2.1%, reaching $950 million. The target for this year is to reach approximately $3 billion.

“A SUCCESS NOT TO BE UNDERESTIMATED”

Bolat noted that the textile and ready-to-wear sector, including carpets, achieved $32.1 billion in exports, reaching $34.8 billion with related sectors. Despite the impacts of COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the February 6 earthquakes, Turkiye’s economy continues to grow. Inflation has dropped to mid-thirties and is projected to fall into the twenties by year-end. He added that industrial production and exports showed significant increases in March, with total exports up 3.9%, and services exports up 7%. “This is a success that should not be underestimated,” he said.

“THIS FAIR DIDN’T REACH HERE EASILY”

BTSO and KFA Chairman İbrahim Burkay described HOMETEX as one of the world’s largest meeting platforms in terms of both space and participation. He emphasized that the fair embodies sustainability, and shows how industry representatives are not only producing and selling, but also shaping global fashion and design trends.

“This journey began in a hotel hall with just a few companies. Today, it has become one of the world’s largest events,” said Burkay. He also noted that the fair hosted over 175,000 visitors last year, and they aim to exceed that number this year. Turkiye’s commercial diplomacy has achieved great success in the past decade, supported by the vision and leadership of the Ministry of Trade, he added.

“WE HOLD A RESPECTED POSITION IN THE GLOBAL MARKET”

TETSİAD President Hasan Hüseyin Bayram said that over its 32-year journey, HOMETEX has become one of the world’s leading fairs. He emphasized that Turkiye’s home textiles industry has combined historical heritage with modern production capabilities to gain a respected place in the global market, and the “Made in Turkiye” label has become a symbol of quality and trust.

Bayram also introduced the hometex.org digital platform, designed to eliminate boundaries and allow companies to showcase their products 24/7 to target audiences. He reminded participants that starting January 1, 2026, the European Union will require the carbon footprint of imported products, including textiles, to be measured, and a carbon tax to be applied per ton of emissions. He stressed the need for rapid adjustments in countries like Turkiye that trade with the EU.

EXPORT-DRIVEN GROWTH STRATEGY

TİM President Mustafa Gültepe emphasized that Turkiye must grow through production and exports, which are key to increasing employment. He noted a 4% increase in exports in the first four months of the year, but stated that this must exceed 7%. Gültepe reminded attendees of Turkiye’s goals to achieve $375 billion in goods exports and $200 billion in services exports by 2028. With improvements in competitiveness, he said, double-digit export growth is easily achievable.

After the speeches, BTSO Chairman İbrahim Burkay and TETSİAD Chairman Hasan Hüseyin Bayram presented a gift to Minister Ömer Bolat, and protocol members toured the exhibitors’ stands.