With the US ending its GSP benefits and the possibility ofa no-deal Brexit looming large, Turkish textiles and apparel industry startedbracing for a future without a friendly US or UK.

The US termination of Turkey’s generalised system ofpreferences (GSP) benefit, concern over losing trade with the United Kingdom inthe event of a no-deal Brexit, European industry efforts to address tradebarriers and the failure of European apparel brands to prevent exploitation ofSyrian refugees in Turkish supply chains defined the apparel and textilessector this year.

Trade trouble

The US in May terminated Turkey’s designation as abeneficiary developing nation under the GSP programme. Turkey had beendesignated as a GSP beneficiary way back in 1975. An increase in gross nationalincome per capita, declining poverty rates and export diversification—bytrading partner and by sector—are evidence of Turkey’s higher level of economicdevelopment, the US contended.

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