Dear TGSD Members and Sector Representatives,

As the Turkish Clothing Manufacturers’ Association, we have started our term with great determination together with our new board of directors with the responsibility of being one of the most inclusive NGO that guide the sector. As the 25th Term Board of Directors, we will make an intensive effort to grow the Turkish apparel industry in the global market, increase our competitiveness and build a sustainable future.

Despite many economic, political and social difficulties throughout history, the Turkish apparel sector has created a resilient structure with its knowledge and investment power and, has become an important player in the global value chain with an export volume of 18 billion dollars in 2024. With a production of 9 billion dollars for the domestic market, our total sector size has reached 27 billion dollars providing employment for 600 thousand people. Therefore, we continue to be one of the leading industries in the Turkish economy.

However, despite all these strengths, our sector has been going through a major transformation in recent years. The sector has suffered significant losses especially due to the contractions in the world apparel trade, global economic fluctuations, wars and local economic policies. In parallel with the 9% contraction in world apparel trade in 2023, Turkish apparel exports also shrank by 9%. However, our exports dropped by 6.9% despite 2% decrease in world apparel trade in 2024. Market losses in war zones and the weakening of our competitiveness by exchange rate policies in particular bring the risk of our export volume falling to 17.5 billion dollars in 2025.

Therefore, in order for our sector to maintain its competitiveness in the coming period, it is of great importance to take necessary steps in economic policies to support exporters. As TGSD, we believe that the exchange rate should be managed in line with inflation, financing costs should be reduced, incentive mechanisms that encourage the transition to sustainable production models should be created, and a structure should be established that can evaluate the opportunities in global markets.

With the “Horizon 2040” Strategic Plan, we will continue guiding companies in areas such as digitalization, sustainability, innovation, and branding by determining the long-term vision of our sector. In addition, we will lead projects that will ensure the resilient transformation of family businesses by supporting the integration of young generations into the sector.

There are great opportunities as well as challenges ahead. Changes in US trade policies towards Asian countries, the transition to a close supply model within the scope of the European Green Deal, and new balances in world trade will provide important opportunities for the Turkish apparel industry. In order to evaluate these opportunities, we have to accelerate transformation that will carry our sector into the future while preserving our production capacity and financial strength.

As TGSD, we are determined to be the strong voice of our members, to take steps that will shape the future of our sector, and to carry the Turkish apparel sector to its rightful place in the global market. We believe that we will overcome this difficult period by producing together, developing innovative solutions, and acting in solidarity.

Best regards,

Toygar Narbay & Dr. Ümit Özüren

TGSD Co-Chairs