From USA-ITA OFF THE CUFF for October 11, 2013
With all the talk about the need for sourcing diversification, it’s time to take a close look at Turkey. In September, the Istanbul Textile & Apparel Exporters’ Associations (ITKIB) and Istanbul Ready-Made Garment Exporters’ Association (IHKIB) hosted a trade mission in New York City to connect Turkey’s industry with U.S. brands and retailers.
Why Turkey? In addition to producing a diverse range of apparel and accessory products for all markets and price points, Turkey’s textile and apparel industry has a number of strengths. With plentiful Turkish cotton and other resources, a highly skilled workforce, and strong environmental and labor compliance standards, Turkey is an excellent choice for your sourcing needs. And, if you’re producing for European markets (and especially Istanbul’s shopping hub!), then Turkey is the obvious choice given its location and Customs framework with the European Union.
As USA-ITA President Julia K. Hughes, who attended the trade mission, told WWD,
“The trade mission highlighted some of the terrific manufacturers in Turkey. We think that there are many new sourcing opportunities that will support their comeback to the U.S. market.” Hughes noted that Turkey ranks as only the 27th-largest supplier of apparel to the U.S., but said, “The combination of design and quality manufacturing, along with excellent records on compliance and environmental sustainability, definitely mean that there is a great opportunity for Turkey.”
USA-ITA President Julia K. Hughes with Istanbul Textile & Apparel Exporter Association Chair Hikmet Tanriverdi (Credit: ITKIB)
For more information on the Turkish textile and apparel industry, contact Natasha DeSantis at 646-431-6008 or