Texhibition Istanbul Celebrates 10th Edition Amid Challenges in Turkey’s Textile Industry
The Texhibition Istanbul, a premier bi-annual textile event, marked its 10th edition from September 9–11 at the Istanbul Expo Center. The exhibition featured over 500 exhibitors and aimed to attract around 25,000 visitors across 42,580 square meters of space. Turkish Minister of Trade Dr. Omer Bolat emphasized government support for the sector amid rising costs, weaker global demand, and a new U.S. tariff that has added pressure on exports. Despite these challenges, Turkey remains one of the world’s top five textile exporters and second-largest supplier to the EU. ITHIB reported 14% growth in Turkish textile and raw material exports to the U.S., reaching $409 million from January–June 2026. Ahmet Sisman, chairman of ITHIB, acknowledged a difficult operating environment but highlighted Turkey’s integrated production capabilities as a key strength. Industry leaders also noted shifting consumer expectations toward sustainability and digital transformation. Şekib Avdagiç emphasized the importance of adapting to global trends like recycling and waste management under initiatives such as the EU Green Deal.
Topics: global markets textiles trade Turkey