The Turkish carpet industry continues its efforts towards Southeast Asia in line with its goal of expanding into new export markets. Within the scope of the “Carpet UR-GE Project” carried out by the Aegean Textile and Raw Materials Exporters’ Association and supported by the Ministry of Trade, a trade delegation programme for Malaysia will be organised between 11-14 May 2026. As part of the organisation, which will include the participation of nine companies, Turkish carpet manufacturers aim to establish new business connections by meeting Malaysian importers, industry representatives and potential buyers.
Türkiye ranks second in global carpet exports
Stating that Türkiye ranked second globally with USD 2.8 billion in carpet exports in 2025, Aegean Exporters’ Associations Vice Coordinator Chairman and Chairman of the Aegean Textile and Raw Materials Exporters’ Association, Turan Göksan, emphasised that the Malaysian market holds significant growth potential for the Turkish carpet sector. Noting that Malaysia imports approximately USD 110 million worth of carpets annually, Göksan said Türkiye’s carpet exports to the country reached USD 18 million in 2025 and that their medium-term target is to increase this figure to USD 40 million.
B2B meetings and market research included in the programme
Within the scope of the programme, bilateral business meetings with Malaysian companies will be held on 12 May. During these meetings, information regarding pricing levels, quality expectations, logistics processes and competitive market conditions is planned to be gathered. On the second day of the delegation, field visits will be conducted to carpet companies and potential buyer firms operating in the sector. Among the main objectives of the organisation is the establishment of concrete commercial connections that will increase participating companies’ export capacities.
The UR-GE project focuses on new markets
Previous trade delegations under the “Carpet UR-GE Project” had been organised for the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. The Malaysia organisation will become the project’s third international marketing activity. Target markets determined within the scope of the project include the USA, the UK, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Malaysia and Indonesia. Göksan emphasised that Malaysia is included within the Ministry of Trade’s “Far Countries Strategy” and stated that the country offers important opportunities not only in terms of existing trade volume but also for expansion into new markets.
Training and promotional activities were carried out
The Aegean Textile and Raw Materials Exporters’ Association also conducted various export-focused preparatory activities for companies within the scope of the project. In the first phase, participating firms received training on “Developing Export-Oriented Sales Skills” and “Market Research Methods.” In the second phase, a promotional film was prepared to increase the companies’ visibility in international markets. While the companies involved in the UR-GE project mainly produce mosque carpets, hotel carpets and decorative carpets, the organisation is expected to create new export opportunities particularly for high value-added product groups.
Nine companies to join the Malaysia delegation
Companies participating in the Malaysia delegation include Akarsu Halı, Gayret Yün İplik ve Halı, Halsan Halı, Hendesi Yapı, HSR Tekstil Dış Ticaret, Meta Halı, Nur Mensucat, Serko Halı ve İplik and Tavus Yün Halı İplik. Industry representatives believe that increasing tourism investments, hotel projects and decoration-oriented demand in the Southeast Asian market are creating new opportunities for the Turkish carpet sector. It is also stated that Turkish manufacturers aim to gain a competitive advantage in the region particularly through quality, production flexibility and design diversity.
