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Turkish textile sector is pursuing a free trade agreement with the United States as a strategic necessity to compensate for market share losses in Europe, where Chinese and Indian competition is intensifying, industry leaders said.
Istanbul Textile and Raw Materials Exporters Association (ITHIB) Chairman Ahmet Oksuz said a trade deal with Washington has become imperative for the sector's future.
"A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the U.S. or a Preferential Trade Agreement specifically for our textile sector is now a strategic necessity," Oksuz told Turkish media outlet Hurriyet on Friday during the Premiere Vision Fair in Paris from Feb. 3-5.
"We need to accelerate the FTA process. This way, we can compensate for the market we lose in Europe with the U.S. market," he added.
Türkiye's textile and raw materials sector closed 2025 with $11.4 billion in exports. Combined with ready-made garments, the industry achieved $26 billion in total exports. The sector aims for "loss-free exports" in 2026, but global developments require new strategies.
Oksuz highlighted the growing competitive pressure from Asian rivals in Türkiye's primary export market.
"Approximately 50 percent of our total exports go to European countries. However, China is very aggressive regarding the European market," Oksuz said.
"They are trying to capture in Europe what they lost in the U.S. market due to high tariffs. India is acting similarly. They are seriously focused on the European market," he noted.
Oksuz warned that India's Free Trade Agreement with Europe, set to take effect in 2027, will directly harm Turkish competitiveness. "With this agreement coming into force in 2027, we will largely lose our Customs Union advantage," he said.
Türkiye currently holds only 3% of U.S. textile imports, which Oksuz described as insufficient. The industry sees significant growth potential if a bilateral trade agreement is reached.
"If a bilateral trade agreement is signed, we could increase this ratio to 5 percent within two years and expand our market share in the region," Oksuz noted.
According to Turkish Exporters Assembly data, Türkiye exported $792 million worth of textile and raw materials to the United States last year. An FTA could potentially raise this figure to $1.32 billion within two years.
Oksuz noted that while trade with the U.S. is relatively balanced, the situation favors America. "The textile sector remains a serious instrument in our hands. Serious work is being carried out on an agreement with the U.S.," he said.
World-famous brands from Gucci to Dior, Burberry to Nike, now use Turkish fabrics, Oksuz confirmed.
"We had meetings with brands like Burberry, Nike and Patagonia, as well as e-commerce companies like Ozon," Oksuz said, concluding by saying, "We also met with Japan-based Uniqlo. They made purchases from Türkiye and continue to do so. New meetings will take place after March."
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