Industry and the economy have always been seen as a single entity, as economic growth is regularly measured in terms of industrial development. Industries are looked at as the hallmark of primary development. It is indeed the degree of industrialization that is considered the most appropriate indicator of a nation's development. Moreover, the proper strategy for growth has often been conceived as a gradual shift from the conventional sector to industry.

In countries like Turkey, there has been astounding growth in the textile sector, and thus, industrialization and commerce revolve around this sector more than any other. The role of the textile and clothing industry has been reappraised and re-evaluated following its contribution to harmonious development and economic stability. The actual role of the Turkish clothing sector has come to the fore only in recent years, with Turkey becoming one of the major players in the global textile and clothing industry.

As of today, Turkey ranks eighth in overall global cotton production and fourth in world cotton consumption. The country also ranks third in organic cotton production, only after India and Syria. With an estimated share of 3.4 percent, the Turkish clothing industry stands as the seventh-largest supplier in the world and the third-largest supplier to the European Union. Considering the overall textile sector, including clothing, upholstery, etc., Turkey is among the world's top ten exporters of textiles and the second-largest supplier to the European Union.

The significance of the textile and clothing sector multiplies considering its substantial role in stabilizing the country's economy. The textile and clothing sectors account for approximately seven percent of the GDP and contribute approximately 18.3 percent to the total export volume in the preceding year. According to statistics released by the Social Security Institution, the country has more than 52,000 textile and clothing companies employing over 918,000 people.

With changing times, the Turkish textile and clothing industry has also shifted its focus from low-value-added commodities to high-value-added manufactured items and fashionable clothing items. Turkey has advantages over other countries, including a reasonably qualified and educated workforce, competitive design capacity, updated know-how, significant investment in technology, adaptable production capacity, world-class quality, and a priority for health and the environment.

The Turkish textile and clothing sector play a promising role in meeting the high standards set by the global trade community. It has survived the cutthroat competition in international markets by providing high quality and a wide range of textile products.

The country's competitiveness is evident from the fact that even after the expiry of the global textile quota system in 2004, Turkey has managed to increase its export share in the textile and clothing sector. The total exports of clothing stood at US $15 billion in the financial year 2013-2014. Approximately 65 percent of the total production of the clothing sector is exported by Turkey, with cotton clothing representing 80 percent of the exports.

The export value of knitted clothing and accessories, comprising of t-shirts and pullovers, was calculated to be around US $ 9.3 billion, representing a share of 61.8 percent in total clothing exports, and woven clothing stood at 38.2 percent with a value of US $ 5.7 billion in 2013-2014. The export of t-shirts and pullovers was approximately US $ 3.3 billion and US $ 1.6 billion respectively; the hosiery exports amounted US $ 1.2 billion.


According to the Istanbul Textile and Apparel Exporters Association the major importers of Turkey's textile products include Germany, Romania, Italy, the United States and Russia; among the major apparel importers of Turkish clothing sector are France, England, Germany, the United States and the Netherlands. Currently, the Turkish apparel producers are chiefly concentrating on developing international brands, following which several manufacturers have started their own retail chains at local level. Also, many Turkish manufacturing units have already opened retail stores in various countries.


The Turkish textile and clothing industry has adapted itself to the change in demands and requirements in international markets. If statistics are to vouch for the success of Turkish textile and clothing industry, then, in 2013-14 Turkish companies exported to more than 180 countries in the world, which is a gigantic step towards sustaining success.


The textile and clothing sector of the country remains updated with the international market trends by participating in major textile and clothing fairs that are held around the world. In 2014, the country participated in Dossodossi Fashion Show Fair that included ready to wear, fashion, fabric and textile industry products. The wedding fashion Izmir was also organised by Turkey early this year, wherein wedding dresses, suits and evening gowns and accessories were presented.


Turkish textile and clothing industry has overcome factors like the increasing complexity of inputs, the growing influence of innovation processes and novel technologies, the importance of sophistication and the mounting range of the transformation processes to become one of the most reliable names in world with regard to quality clothing and great textile.



REFERENCES:


1.      Turkishtradechicago.org

2.      Textileworldasia.com

3.      Fashionist.com

4.      Dossodossi.com

5.      Tcp.gov.tr