Textile exporters in Southeastern Türkiye are reporting a clear recovery. Members of the Southeastern Anatolia Textile and Raw Materials Exporters’ Association (GATHİB) shipped USD 344.31 million worth of goods in September, bringing the January–September total to USD 2.717 billion (2 billion 716 million 887 thousand dollars), according to Turkish business daily Dünya. Products from the region went to 187 countries over the nine months.
The figures were reviewed at GATHİB’s board meeting in Gaziantep. Chairman Mete Akcan, who also coordinates the regional exporters’ associations (GAİB), said global economic headwinds, regional conflicts and rising freight costs were making competition harder, yet the sector had moved into a noticeable recovery compared with previous periods.
Where the region’s textiles are going
The European Union remains by far the largest destination. Nine-month exports broke down as follows:
- EU countries: USD 757 million
- Middle East: USD 643 million
- Africa: USD 324 million
By individual country, Iraq led with USD 256 million, followed by the United Kingdom at USD 238 million and Syria at USD 202 million. With Europe taking such a large share, yarn, fabric and raw-material producers in the region are directly exposed to changes in EU product rules.
EU green rules on the agenda
Elif Berrak Taşyürek, Head of the EU Single Market and Green Deal Department at Türkiye’s Ministry of Trade, briefed the board on the obligations that new European Green Deal legislation will bring for textile exporters. The areas she flagged for preparation were:
- Eco-design requirements
- Circular production
- Product traceability
- The Digital Product Passport
Participants stressed that adapting to these rules on time is essential to staying competitive in the EU market.
What it means for brands and garment makers
Southeastern Türkiye is a key source of yarn and fabric for Turkish apparel production. A recovery there suggests upstream supply and order flow are picking up, although freight costs and regional risk still need to be factored into pricing and delivery plans.
The bigger takeaway is regulatory. EU traceability and Digital Product Passport requirements will reach back through the whole supply chain, from fabric to trims. Brands sourcing from Türkiye would be wise to start collecting material data from their fabric suppliers now rather than waiting for final deadlines.
GATHİB also sent a delegation of board members and DOKU design competition participants to Première Vision on 1–3 September, and Akcan said the association would keep working on higher value-added production and access to new markets.
This article was summarised and commented on by the LTS Frekans editorial team, drawing on the source article.
