Turkish Fashion Industry to Strengthen Its Position in the US Market
The Turkish fashion industry is taking strategic steps to strengthen its position in the US market. Aiming to reverse the contraction in exports seen over the past three years, the sector has put the United States on its radar as an alternative growth market. The Turkish ready-to-wear sector aims to increase its annual exports to the US from $1.2 billion to $1.5 billion.
Turkish fashion industry is taking strategic steps to strengthen its position in the US market. The sector, targeting to reverse the contraction in exports over the past three years, has identified the United States as an alternative growth market. Turkish ready-made garment sector aims to increase its annual exports to the US from USD 1.2 billion to USD 1.5 billion.
Within this scope, the Aegean Ready-Made Garment and Apparel Exporters Association (EHKİB) will participate in the PV Manufacturing New York Fair to be held in New York on 13–14 January with 12 companies through Turkey's National Participation Organization.
"US is in critical position in alternative market strategy"
EHKİB Chairman Burak Sertbaş, recalling that they had previously organized national participation three times at the PV Manufacturing New York Fair, stated that they will participate for the fourth time this year.
Sertbaş, noting that the sector's competitive strength has weakened due to cost pressure, said:
"Turkish ready-made garment sector has become expensive compared to competitors like China, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Pakistan due to rising costs and currency inflation lagging behind. While EU imports, our main market, are increasing, Turkey's exports to the EU have declined. For this reason, we have put the US on our radar in our search for alternative markets. This strategy is also aligned with our Ministry of Trade's 'Distant Countries Strategy.'"
Sertbaş also pointed out that the high customs duties the US applies to countries like China, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Pakistan create an opportunity for Turkey.
US ready-made garment imports exceed USD 100 billion
EHKİB Board Member and Foreign Markets Committee Chairman Tala Uğuz, noting that the PV Manufacturing New York Fair stands out with its selective nature and that the participant profile is highly ambitious, provided the following information:
"The US is the world's largest ready-made garment importer by a wide margin. Its annual imports exceed USD 100 billion. Turkey's exports to the US are at the level of USD 1.2 billion. Our target is to increase this figure to USD 1.5 billion."
Second step to strengthen position in US: Los Angeles Trade Mission
In addition to the National Participation Organization, EHKİB continues its work to organize a Los Angeles Sectoral Trade Mission between 27 April – 1 May 2026.
Intensive business meetings concurrent with the fair
A PR firm will provide matching services for Turkish companies participating in the PV Manufacturing New York Fair to meet effectively with US buyers, with the goal of conducting approximately 100 bilateral business meetings over the 2 days.
National Participation in 6 fairs in 2026
EHKİB plans to conduct National Participation Organization in a total of 6 fairs in 2026.
Companies participating in the PV Manufacturing New York Fair
The 12 companies that will participate in the fair are as follows:
Akçakaya Tekstil, Beta Konfeksiyon, Betobe Tekstil, Bilsar Tekstil, Demirışık Tekstil, Demoteks Tekstil, DND Tekstil, ERA Tekstil, Fıratteks Tekstil, İYA Tekstil, Merger Tekstil, Seleksiyon Tekstil
9 of the participating companies will be from Izmir, 3 from Istanbul.
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