UTİB Achieves 613 Million Dollars in Exports in the First Half of 2025
The Uludağ Textile Exporters’ Association (UTIB) achieved $613 million in exports in the first half of 2025. Chairwoman of the UTIB Pınar Taşdelen Engin emphasized that the Turkish textile sector remains strong in global competition through a transformation focused on sustainability, digitalization, and innovation.
In textiles, one of Turkiye’s leading sectors, the Uludağ Textile Exporters’ Association (UTIB) shared export figures and sectoral developments for the first six months of 2025. According to the assessment made by UTIB Chairwoman of the Board of Directors Pınar Taşdelen Engin, UTIB, which closed 2024 with exports of 1 billion 272 million dollars, realized exports of 613 million dollars in the first half of this year, a decrease of 5.5%.
Most Exports to Spain
UTIB exported to more than 160 countries and regions in the first six months of the year. The top five export markets during this period were Spain, the US, Egypt, Morocco, and Germany. While exports to Spain decreased by 6.7%, markets like Egypt and Morocco saw increases of 47% and 33%, respectively. Prominent product groups in exports included woven fabrics, artificial and synthetic yarns, knitted and nonwoven fabrics, and cotton yarn.
“Our Companies Focus on Sustainability and Digital Transformation”
Chairwoman Engin emphasized that Bursa has taken a leading role in this transformation, noting that sustainability in the sector is no longer a competitive advantage but a necessity. Engin said; “In today’s world where global competition is rapidly increasing, textile companies that are members of our Association are developing strategies to differentiate and stand out by focusing on sustainability, digital transformation, R&D and innovation. Bursa has played an important role in this transformation with its deep-rooted textile tradition and strong infrastructure.” She stated that textile companies are turning to production systems that reduce environmental impacts in order to comply with the European Green Deal. “Digital printing systems that consume less water and electricity, wastewater recycling technologies, energy-efficient machines, and low-impact raw materials are becoming more widespread in our industry,” Engin said, adding that the use of organic cotton and recycled fibers is also rapidly increasing. Digital transformation is also among UTİB’s priorities.
“Thanks to Digitalization, Companies Can Respond Quickly to Customer Demands”
Engin said that the textile industry has increased production efficiency and raised quality standards with technologies such as robotic automation, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. Engin pointed out that some companies have begun using artificial intelligence-supported quality control, predictive analysis, and digital production planning systems in their production processes, saying, “Thanks to digitalization, companies respond to customer demands more quickly and gain a competitive advantage in the global market with their fast production and delivery capabilities.” Engin emphasized that they have taken significant steps toward transitioning to a circular economy in the sector, stating that they aim to reduce waste through service models such as rental, second-hand goods, and repairs. Sustainable fabrics, eco-design practices, and carbon footprint reporting are also among the areas UTİB supports.
