Long-standing profitability problems in Türkiye’s textile sector, combined with the rising influx of low-priced products originating from the Far East, have pushed manufacturers into a serious deadlock. Struggling to survive amid rising costs and shrinking export markets, the sector sought government support in recent months. In response to these demands, an additional financial obligation was introduced on the import of certain types of nylon and polyamide yarn.
The regulation entered into force on 21 November and was implemented for a three-month period. The aim was to temporarily protect domestic yarn producers against the pressure of cheap imports and to give the sector some breathing space. During this period, the additional duties provided a limited but noticeable relief, particularly for local producers.
As the End of the Period Nears, the Sector Is Divided
However, the temporary nature of the measure has led to a clear split within the industry. As the three-month period draws to a close, yarn producers are demanding an extension of the additional duties. According to producers, import pressure remains strong, and lifting the duties would push the sector back into the same fragile position. Especially for yarn manufacturers whose profitability is already weak, the end of the measure could mean a complete loss of price competitiveness. This group argues that removing the additional duties would once again increase the risks of concordat applications and bankruptcies.
The Sector Remains Split
On the other hand, industrial companies that use nylon and polyamide yarn view the approaching end of the three-month period from a different perspective. These firms state that the additional duties have increased raw material costs, weakening their competitiveness—particularly in export markets. In order to compete at the same price levels as their global rivals, this segment is calling for the additional financial obligations to be lifted as soon as possible and therefore welcomes the end of the application period.
A Temporary Measure, Permanent Questions
Sector representatives largely agree that the relative relief experienced during the period in which the additional duties were in force does not constitute a permanent solution. It is emphasized that without a shift toward high value-added production, increased efficiency, and the development of new market strategies, the long-term problems of the textile sector cannot be resolved solely through customs measures.
At this stage, the textile industry is closely focused on whether the additional duties will be extended. While one side looks to the approaching end date with hope, anticipating the lifting of the measure, the other views the same date with concern. The decision to be taken in the coming period is expected to directly affect not only import balances but also the sector’s overall financial fragility.
