Turkish Fashion Industry Raises the Bar for US Market

Momentum Grows in the US Market

The Turkish fashion industry is preparing to capitalize on the opportunities created by the US's imposition of high tariffs on China. Having exported $856 million to the US in 2024, the sector aims to rise this figure to $1 billion by the end of 2025.

National Participation Resumes After a Two-Year Break

The Aegean Ready-to-Wear and Apparel Exporters' Association (EHKİB) returned to the PV Manufacturing New York Fair, held on July 15-16, 2025, after a two-year break with a national pariticipation, where 12 companies marked their presence. EHKİB President Burak Sertbaş emphasized the strategic importance of maintaining a sustainable presence in the US market despite the recession in Europe.

Determination Continues Despite Sectoral Competitive Challenges

Sertbaş stated that Turkey remains approximately 40-50% more costly than its Far Eastern and Egyptian competitors due to high inflation and a low foreign exchange rate policy. However, a further emphasis was made on the opportunity from US to demonstrate manufacturing power and expand into new markets.

More than 100 Bilateral Meetings Targeted

EHKİB Foreign Market Strategies Committee Chairman Tala Uğuz announced that a total of 12 companies participated in the fair, 10 from Izmir and 2 from Istanbul. More than 100 business meetings are planned to be held as part of the event through a specialized matchmaking firm.

Sectoral Promotional Drive to Continue in Europe

Uğuz also said that a national participation in the PV Manufacturing fairs in Paris, Fabric Start The Source in Munich, and Fashion SVP in London in the second half of 2025 will be organized. With the realization of these events, their expectation also set to achieve 80 companies to participate at a total of six fairs in four countries by the end of the year.

Companies Representing Turkey in New York

Companies planning an export move to the US at the fair are as follows;

BETA Konf., Bilsar Tekstil, Sarp Jeans, Demoteks, İYA Tekstil, Kreateks, Maseksport, Meba Dış Ticaret, Merger Tekstil, Narkonteks, Seyfeli Dış Tic., Sun Tekstil.