Trade Minister Bolat says Türkiye's textile and garment exports hit $31 billion last year
Türkiye's Trade Minister Ömer Bolat said the country's textile and garment exports reached $31 billion last year, underlining the sector's strategic share in total exports. He told industry leaders that R&D and sustainability initiatives would be accelerated to defend Türkiye's global competitiveness.
Speaking to industry representatives, Bolat highlighted the structural importance of the $31 billion export figure. He said Türkiye continued to leverage its geographic proximity to Europe across ready-to-wear, home textiles and technical textiles. The minister noted that the sector has been steadily shifting towards higher value-added products as global demand evolves.
Bolat said R&D and digitalisation support for producers would be expanded as competitive pressure intensifies. Within the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) framework, the sector is in a preparatory phase to ensure compliance. The minister also said incentives for energy-efficiency projects in the textile industry are being reviewed.
Exporters' associations and TÜSİAD representatives at the meeting reiterated their requests for stability in exchange rates and input costs. Officials said they continue to monitor the impact of the lira's weakness and the global energy shock on exporters. Bolat said year-end export targets had been preserved and that the government was working on additional financing options for the sector.
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