Successful Exporters of the Textile Sector Honored
Speaking at the ceremony organized by the Istanbul Textile and Raw Materials Exporters’ Association (ITHIB) to honor the most successful exporters of 2025, ITHIB Chairman Ahmet Öksüz emphasized that global stagnation, logistical challenges, and disruptions in supply chains have once again highlighted the importance of domestic production.
Stating that protecting the sector against unfair competition has become critical, Öksüz noted that safeguarding the textile industry considered an industrial legacy of Türkiye is not a choice but a necessity. He added that the Turkish textile sector has proven how strategic it is thanks to its strong and integrated production structure, and that while many European brands struggle to obtain price quotes from Asian countries, the Turkish textile industry continues to serve as a safe haven for brands.
The Importance of Domestic Production Once Again Highlighted
At an awards ceremony organized by the Istanbul Textile and Raw Materials Exporters’ Association (ITHIB), successful exporters in the textile sector for 2025 were honored. The ceremony, hosted by ITHIB Board Chairman Ahmet Öksüz, was attended by Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, Turkish Exporters’ Assembly (TIM) Board Chairman Mustafa Gültepe, Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO) Board Chairman Erdal Bahçıvan, Turkish Trade Bank General Manager İlker Yeşil, heads of exporters’ associations, and numerous guests.
A total of 574 awards were presented, including 5 Star, 26 Platinum, 28 Gold, 66 Silver, 258 Bronze, and 191 Achievement awards.
“Exporters Have Made Great Sacrifices”
Speaking at the ceremony, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül stated that exporters have made significant sacrifices both individually and institutionally. He emphasized that challenges are being experienced worldwide and that exporters are among those most affected: “The world and our geography have shown us this: there were places where products could be sourced cheaper, but when stability is lacking, needs cannot be met in the medium term. Thanks to Türkiye’s climate of peace and uninterrupted production chain, you inspire confidence in your customers. Hopefully, with the restoration of global peace and the continuation of Türkiye’s stable environment, exporters will reach their expected figures in a very short time.”
“Textile and Apparel Are Cornerstones of the Economy”
Mustafa Gültepe also highlighted that the textile and apparel sectors remain one of the cornerstones of the Turkish economy not only through export figures but also through production strength, employment capacity, and resilience in global competition: “Despite cost pressures, shrinking demand, and difficulties in accessing finance in recent years, our exporters have managed to sustain the production chain. Every achievement during this period is a concrete indicator of our sector’s resilience and determination.”
He continued: “Today, we are going through a period where global competition is tougher than ever. However, Türkiye’s strong production infrastructure, fast delivery capability, and reliable supplier identity provide a significant advantage. Despite all these challenges, we believe our sectors will overcome this period with their accumulated experience and export determination. Textile and apparel, with their high adaptability, will continue to add value to Türkiye in the coming period.”
Textile Exports Reached $11.4 Billion
Ahmet Öksüz stated that the global demand contraction, which began in the last quarter of 2022 and continues to have an impact, has deeply affected the sector: “2025 was a very challenging year due to rising production costs, global stagnation, shrinking demand, and geopolitical risks. Despite all these adversities, our textile exports reached $11.4 billion in 2025.”
Contraction in the EU Affected the Sector
Emphasizing that the contraction in the European Union the sector’s largest export market has significantly impacted the industry, Öksüz said they are striving to maintain their market share. He also noted strong momentum in the U.S. market:
“In 2025, with exports approaching $800 million, we became the 8th largest supplier to the U.S. Over the past five years, we increased our share from 1.6% to 3.2%. Our goal is to become one of the top five suppliers to the U.S. We firmly believe that we will achieve this goal as global interest rates begin to decline.”
“We Must Be Protected Against Unfair Competition”
Ahmet Öksüz stated that periods currently defined as “recessions” are actually critical turning points during which industries redefine themselves. He noted that logistics issues and disruptions in supply chains have once again highlighted the importance of domestic production and demonstrated just how essential it is to protect the sector against unfair competition. On the other hand, noting that the U.S. imposition of additional tariffs and the European Union’s new trade agreements as the largest export market have positioned producer countries like Türkiye as target markets for Asia, Ahmet Öksüz stated, “For this reason, taking steps on issues affecting domestic production such as preventing abuses in the in-bond processing regime through the collection of witness samples and more effectively combating origin misrepresentation, which our ministry is currently addressing with great diligence is of the utmost importance. It must not be forgotten that Türkiye cannot afford to abandon our sector, which has been built with billions of dollars in investment and serves as the industrial backbone of our country.”
Award Winners
At the ceremony, companies that stood out with their 2025 export performance received their awards. The top 10 companies contributing to the sector are as follows:
Ak-Pa Tekstil İhr. Paz. A.Ş.
Aksa Akrilik Kimya San. A.Ş.
Kordsa Teknik Tekstil A.Ş.
Kipaş Paz. ve Tic. A.Ş.
FPS Turkey Ambalaj San. ve Tic. A.Ş.
Teksis Tekstil Ürünleri Pazarlama A.Ş.
Zorlu Dış Tic. A.Ş.
Ormo İth. İhr. A.Ş.
Aydın Tekstil Tic. ve Paz. A.Ş.
DGS Dış Tic. A.Ş.
