While Türkiye's overall exports edged up in 2023, the textile and raw materials sector faced a 2.3% decline, slipping from $12.9 billion to $12.6 billion. The biggest drop came in December, with a 6.2% decrease to $927 million.
Despite the industry's struggles, some positive signals emerged. Exports to Iran surged 29.9% in December, making it the only major market to see growth. Additionally, garment sub-industry exports and fibre exports both increased.
The EU remained the top destination for Turkish textiles, although exports there shrank 17.6% in 2023. Italy retained its spot as the top individual market, despite a 24.9% decline compared to the previous year.
Key product categories also saw mixed results. Woven fabrics remained the dominant export, while technical textiles dipped slightly. Yarn exports fell, but synthetic filament yarns performed well. However, knitted fabrics and home textiles experienced significant declines.
Looking ahead, the Turkish textile industry faces challenges like inflation and global economic uncertainty. However, its resilience and adaptability have been proven in the past, and positive developments like the Iranian market growth offer hope for future recovery.
