Türkiye apparel to beat China

As Turkey celebrates its 100th year of being a republic, the country's apparel industry is determined to establish itself as a significant alternative sourcing destination to China. This commitment comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The recent 16th Istanbul Apparel Conference, organized by the Turkish Clothing Manufacturers’ Association (TGSD), delved into the industry's transformation. Key topics included traceability, sustainability, artificial intelligence's impact on design, and new EU regulations.

TGSD co-chair Ramazan Kaya stressed the need for adaptation, citing the shift from fast fashion to slow fashion and the changing landscape of fashion sourcing due to the US-China trade war. Kaya believes that the industry must focus on aspects like sustainability and circularity to make Turkey a compelling alternative sourcing hub. This move aims to address buyers' quest for new sourcing options in light of global tensions.