'Ban on Turkish textile import hitting Russian firms'

26 Dec '15

2 min read

Vadim Solovyov, Deputy Chairman of Russia's Duma Committee on constitutional legislation and state construction and a member of the Communist Party, has warned that the unofficial ban on the import of fabrics and textile products from Turkey might force Russian textile firms to stop production, according to Russian daily Kommersant.

In a letter to Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov, Solovyov urged them to take action against the unofficial ban.

He said the fabrics already purchased by Russian textile companies from Turkish fabric manufacturers are still in Turkey, as the carriers refuse to deliver them into Russia or are waiting in the transit zone between Ukraine and Russia.

Kommersant reported that Turkish textiles are not officially included in the Russian sanctions list against Turkish goods but were under an 'unofficial' ban.

However, the Deputy head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Victor Evtukhov stated recently that a ban could be formally established for Turkish textile products. The Department has already proposed to ban the import of 70-80 per cent of light industry goods from Turkey. This may create problems to international retailers, producing clothing in Turkey for Russia, including brands like Zara, Mango, Lacoste and Adidas.

Relations between Moscow and Ankara have turned frosty since Turkey shot down a Russian warplane for violating its airspace on November 24. Following the incident, Russia announced a rash of sanctions targeting Turkey, ranging from restrictions on visa-free travel to a ban on imports of certain goods.

Hit by Russian sanctions, Turkey's ready-to-wear exporters are eyeing new markets in Africa and diversify their client base to compensate for the losses due to Moscow's decision. Turkey hopes double the ready-to-wear exports to Africa in three years.

The foreign trade volume between Turkey and Russia reached $31.2 billion in 2014 - an approximately 17.3 per cent increase from the previous year. (SH)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India

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