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- October 13, 202619°
- BIST10012,151-0.94%
- USD49.220.00%
- EUR55.21+0.28%
- GOLD4,194.50-0.52%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,961-0.85%
- October 13, 202619°
Turkish textile exports hit $4.7 billion in first half of 2026
The Turkish textile sector exported 1.2 million tons of products to 196 countries in the January-June period of 2026, generating $4.7 billion in revenue. Italy was the top destination, while exports to the United States rose by 23.9 percent.
According to data from the Southeast Anatolia Exporters' Associations, the Turkish textile sector shipped 1,226,764 tons of products to 196 countries and free zones in the January-June 2026 period, earning $4,708,604,000.
The bulk of exports, worth $1,807,649,000, went to European Union countries. Exports to African countries rose 4.9 percent year-on-year to reach $764,376,000.
Italy tops export destinations
On a country basis, Italy was the top market with $385,836,000. It was followed by the United States with $301,270,000, a 23.9 percent increase, and Spain with $289,865,000, up 11.1 percent.
Fabric exports lead the way
Among sub-product groups, fabric exports led with $2,874,418,000. Yarn followed with $1,217,683,000, and fibers with $616,503,000.
Istanbul leads among provinces
By province, Istanbul recorded the highest exports at $1,829,231,000. Gaziantep came second with $779,981,000, Bursa third with $626,714,000, and Kahramanmaraş fourth with $375,120,000.
Assessment from industry representative
Ahmet Öksüz, Deputy Chairman of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) and TİM Textile and Raw Materials Sector Representative, stated that global uncertainties and geopolitical developments directly affect demand conditions in major export markets and the sector's performance.
Emphasizing that the Turkish textile sector holds an important position in global trade thanks to its integrated production structure, quality production, fast delivery capability and strong supply infrastructure, Öksüz said: "We consider the current figures not as a reflection of our sector's potential, but rather as a picture reflecting the global conjuncture we are in. The textile sector is undergoing a major transformation process not only in Turkey but also in the world today. While the slowdown in global demand, cost pressures and international competitive conditions challenge our sector, the reshaping of supply chains offers significant opportunities for Turkey."
Pointing out that competition is not shaped solely by price, Öksüz stated that quality, speed, sustainability, technology and innovation have become decisive in purchasing decisions. Öksüz noted that to preserve the sector's competitive edge, greater focus is needed on value-added production, technical and functional textiles, digitalization, sustainability and R&D activities.
Expressing cautious optimism for the second half of the year, Öksüz added that if the gradual recovery in global demand and the momentum in strategic markets continue, they aim to close the year with a more balanced and stronger performance.
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