Turkey’s Textile Industry: A Leading Force in Global Fabric Sourcing
May 21, 2025
3
min reading
The 2025 trade disputes, which ranged from increased export controls to tariffs and penalties, have shown how delicate global supply systems can be when facing this changes.
In preparation for future trade disruptions similar to those this year, businesses are reconsidering their sourcing strategy and working toward safer, more diverse supply chains.
In face of this scenario, countries with strong textile ties, such as Turkey, are in an ideal position to contribute as strategic partners that provide supply chain visibility, regional proximity, and the flexibility brands require to act quickly and smarter in a trade environment with increasing compliance pressure and geopolitical changes.
Why Turkey: A Strategic Hub for the Future of Textiles
From cotton cultivation and yarn spinning to fabric production and finished garments, the country operates across the entire value chain, including trims and accessories.
Holding a 3.7% share of the global clothing market, Turkey ranks as the world’s 6th largest apparel supplier—and 3rd for the EU.
Plus, turkey is a leading exporter of premium cotton yarn and a key player in knitted apparel, trusted by brands for its craftsmanship and efficiency. Beyond that, its strategic geographic location further enhances its appeal, offering fast, flexible access to both European and Middle Eastern markets.
“The country’s proximity to the European Union gives it a powerful geographic advantage over Asian sourcing destinations.” - Vogue Business
And that’s just the beginning — here’s what else makes Turkey a textile powerhouse worth watching:
1. The Power of Exports
Because of its reputation for producing high-quality goods with quick turnaround times, Turkey continues to be a major exporter of textiles worldwide, particularly to the US, EU, and Middle East. Turkey is adjusting by concentrating on sustainable and value-added textiles, giving firms a more flexible and quality-driven sourcing option near Europe, even as competition from low-cost places like China and Southeast Asia continues.s and prompt delivery.
2. Sustainability and Green Production
Driven by the EU’s 2024 Green Deal and carbon regulations, Turkish textile manufacturers are rapidly adopting more sustainable practices. From organic cotton and recycled materials to energy and water efficient processes, the sector is actively investing in green production and securing certifications to remain competitive and compliant in a tightening regulatory landscape.
3. Technological Innovation and Digitalization
Turkey's textile industry is embracing digital transformation with investments in automation, AI-powered systems, and smart textile technologies that lower costs and increase production speed. At the same time, e-commerce's growth is creating international prospects, particularly for SMEs, which makes Turkey more competitive in the digitally driven fashion industry.
4. Employment and Social Responsibility
As one of Turkey’s largest employment sectors, textiles are evolving with a growing emphasis on social responsibility. Companies are addressing fair wages, worker safety, and labor rights, while also upskilling their workforce to meet the demands of a more digital and efficient production environment, reinforcing Turkey’s role as a responsible sourcing partner.
What further sets Turkey apart is its ability to cater to the evolving needs of modern fashion brands — particularly those prioritizing smaller-batch, trend-responsive production with quick turnarounds and close collaboration.
“China is the destination for sourcing basic items with long lead times. We [in Turkey] are good at offering good service, plus design and fashion(-led) items, taking on the smaller portion [of brands’ product range],” says Selman Bilal, chairman of Bilsar, in Business of Fashion.
This unique positioning allows Turkish manufacturers to fill a niche that’s increasingly vital in today’s fast-moving, sustainability-conscious market.
Turkey Textile Heritage
Turkey's growth in the textile industry has a long history that combines traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge invention.
According to The Black Tent Project, a cultural tourism initiative in Turkey, the earliest known textile discovered in the region dates back approximately 9,000 years.
Made from wild hemp, this ancient cloth is considered one of the oldest in the world and notably advanced for its time, showcasing a level of craftsmanship that surpassed typical handiwork from that era.
Image sourced from The Black Tent Project
This shows Turkey’s textile story stretches back thousands of years, with roots in the civilizations that once thrived in the region.
For instance, there is proof that the Hittite Empire produced linen and wool. Additionally, the Roman Empire contributed to the development of Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) as a hub for tapestries and carpets.
Furthermore, the Ottoman Empire's rule (1299–1922) greatly expanded Turkey's textile sector.
With talented craftspeople creating distinctive dyeing methods and weaving elaborate designs, Istanbul (previously Constantinople) developed into a significant trading hub. With that, carpets became one of the main features of Turkish textile heritage.
The foundation for one of the most vibrant textile businesses in the world was established by this long-standing custom, which was molded by centuries of cross-cultural interaction, artistry, and invention.
And if the past speaks to artistry and tradition, the textile industry in Turkey today tells a tale of resiliency, innovation, and global importance.
Turkey as a Resilient, Future-Ready Sourcing Hub
Turkey is a major global textile player—employing over 1 million workers and serving as a critical supplier for European markets.
But like many manufacturing regions, it’s under growing pressure to modernize, adopt more sustainable practices, and meet rising due diligence expectations from brands and regulators.
“Turkish companies face important challenges to adapt to a fast changing environment.” — Dirk Vantyghem, Director General of Euratex, as quoted in Just Style source
While shifting trade dynamics and global competitiveness have added strain, Turkey’s textile sector is embracing transformation through collective, coordinated action.
Earlier this year, for example, a high-level meeting took place, bringing together key actors from Turkey’s textile sector—including employer associations, trade unions, brands, government, and international stakeholders like the ILO (International Labor Organization)—came together to shape a shared vision for the industry's future.
Discussions focused on sustainability, digital innovation, responsible sourcing, and skills development.
The result was the Istanbul Declaration: a joint appeal for EU and government support to accelerate the sector’s transition through technology, upskilling, and social dialogue.
The declaration was more than a policy moment: it represents Turkey's long-term goal of developing into a more competitive, resilient, and future-ready sourcing hub, one that recognizes that cooperation is essential to being relevant in a global business that is changing quickly.
2023 Earthquake
This spirit of resilience was demonstrated following the devastating earthquake in February 2023.
The Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) reports that textile exports dropped 11.3% to $11 billion and apparel exports decreased 10.7% to $19.2 billion, dealing a serious blow to one of Turkey's most important sectors.
In response, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), backed by $1.62 million in Swedish funding, launched a recovery initiative in 2024 to support the revival of the textile, leather, and footwear sectors in the hardest-hit provinces of Kahramanmaraş and Hatay.
Image from: www.undp.org (Photo: Bora Akbay)
By providing new manufacturing facilities, worker training, psychosocial support, and sophisticated machinery to local manufacturers, the program helped restore both the industry and livelihoods.
These combined efforts helped accelerate the recovery of textile and garment production in the affected regions, and also sparked other initiatives throughout Turkey aimed at strengthening the industry nationwide.
Not only is the nation back on its feet today, but it is also moving forward with newfound vigor and determination.
This tenacity was demonstrated in full during Texhibition Istanbul 2025, which took place from March 5–7.
Now in its 7th edition, the fair brought together over 500 Turkish companies and more than 25,000 visitors from 125 countries—positioning Istanbul as a central hub for sourcing next-generation textiles, yarns, accessories, and denim.
Image via @texhibition, sourced from Portugal Têxtil
Dedicated trend zones and seminars focused heavily on sustainability and tech-forward solutions, while the Blue & Black Texhibition area celebrated Turkey’s leadership in high-value, eco-conscious denim production.
From showcasing recycled and plant-based fibers to launching future-focused innovation hubs, Texhibition reflected a clear message: Turkey is investing in a greener, smarter textile future.
Looking ahead, Turkey’s momentum in textile innovation shows no signs of slowing down. This energy will carry into September 2025, when the Fabric, Yarn and Textile Accessories Fair takes place at the Istanbul Expo Center.
The upcoming event promises to be a dynamic gathering point for the industry — bringing together online sales platforms, e-commerce leaders, importers, wholesalers, distributors, fashion designers, brands, influencers, and boutique buyers.
Both local and international professionals will converge to explore new materials, technologies, and creative collaborations shaping the future of global textiles.
World Collective’s Next Chapter: Expanding Reach from the Heart of the Region
As Turkey reinforces its position as a resilient, forward-looking force in global textiles, World Collective is proud to deepen its presence in the region with the launch of a dedicated EMEA Lead Region, headquartered in Turkey.
At the helm of this exciting expansion is Gül Budak, a industry expert who understands the nuanced layers that shape sourcing across the region: from the cultural richness of craftsmanship to the dynamics of compliance, sustainability, and digital transformation.
By focusing our EMEA expansion in Turkey, we are not only partnering with a crucial supply chain center, but we are also pledging to collaborate with the manufacturers, mills, and creative minds that are actively shaping the sustainable fashion of the future.
Our commitment to closeness, purpose, and collaboration is shown in this action.
When it comes to supply chain solutions, World Collective is here to give fashion teams the local knowledge, sharper tools, and deeper insights they need to act and adapt with confidence.
