Changing World Trade Conditions Force the Turkish Textile and Apparel Industry To Create New Strategies

Abstract

Textile and clothing industry has played an important role in the industrialisation process and market orientation of the Turkish Economy. The yarn making, cloth manufacturing, garment finishing, and related activities presently make up over 6% of the gross national product, 17.5% of industrial production, around 19% of total industrial manufactured goods, 21% of employment. The Turkish apparel industry is currently transitioning from a volume oriented, cost-based contractor role in the global apparel industry to assume more value-added activities such as design and product development. The goal of Turkish apparel manufacturers in this transition is to capitalise on their experience, skilled labour, and technological advantages to establish new markets for high quality, Turkish-designed apparel.