Prospects for the textile and clothing industry in Turkey

摘要

Turkey has a long-established, diverse and modern textile and clothing industry which has fulfilled a significant role in the country's economic and industrial development. It has production capabilities in all sectors of the supply chain, from the supply of raw materials to the production of finished pieces. In 2012—the most recent year for which global data are available—Turkey was the world's seventh largest exporter of textiles and the world's sixth largest exporter of clothing. In 2013 the textile and clothing industry accounted for 7.1% of Turkey's gross domestic product (GDP), 15.0% of its industrial production and 27.6% of its manufacturing workforce. The industry is also a significant source of foreign exchange: in 2013 its exports, valued at US$27.7 bn, were equivalent to 18.2% of Turkey's total exports. Furthermore, it is a major employer in Turkey. Over 900,000 people work directly for the industry and a further 1 mn in support activities. The workforce has played a large part in the industry's success. It is flexible, highly skilled and relatively low in cost—although labour costs in Turkey are higher than in many low cost textile and clothing producing countries in Asia.