Turkish Clothing Manufacturers Association Warns of Global Competition and 10-Point Disadvantage
Drawing attention to the capital preservation disadvantage of Turkish exporters in global competition, TGSD proposed 138 new policies against the danger of deindustrialization.
Toygar Narbay, Co-President of the Turkish Clothing Manufacturers Association (TGSD), stated that the EBITDA rate required for Turkish industrialists to protect their capital is much higher than that of their global competitors, emphasizing that exporters start the race at a disadvantage.
Disadvantage in Global Competition
Toygar Narbay and Dr. Ümit Özüren, Co-Presidents of the Turkish Clothing Manufacturers Association, discussed the fundamental problems of the sector at a press conference they organized.
Toygar Narbay stated that Turkish industrialists have to generate an EBITDA of 13.6 percent to protect their capital, while this rate remains at 3.6 percent for their competitors.
Employment and Business Losses
It was announced that a major contraction has been experienced across the sector from 2022 to June 2026, resulting in a loss of 364,000 jobs during this period.
It was stated that a total of 10,497 businesses ceased operations within the same period, drawing attention to the fact that this situation carries a serious risk of deindustrialization.
138-Point Industrial Policy
A new 138-point sectoral framework prepared by TGSD to take precautions against the risks and crises experienced was submitted to the authorized authorities.
It was stated that this comprehensive policy framework has been presented to the Presidency of Strategy and Budget.
Strategic Sector Demand
It was argued that the ready-to-wear and textile sectors should not be characterized solely as labor-intensive, but should also be recognized as strategic sectors.
Additionally, it was requested that a new institution named the Large Enterprises Development Presidency be established in addition to the KOSGEB structure, and that production basins be created in neighboring countries.
Export Targets and Conference
While total ready-to-wear exports were recorded at 10.97 billion dollars in the first eight months of 2026, a target of 16 to 16.5 billion dollars is set for the year-end.
On the other hand, it was announced that the 19th Istanbul Ready-to-Wear Conference will be held on October 13-14 under the theme 'Redefined Value Made in Turkey'.