Turkey / Türkiye maintains a dominant position as a global Supplier of Knitted Apparel, encompassing high-volume products like T-shirts, sweatshirts, and pullovers. The knitwear segment, representing over 50% of the country’s total ready-to-wear Exports, is a critical pillar of the Turkish Economy. Global brands are increasingly prioritizing Turkey for Knitted Apparel Nearshoring to drastically cut lead times and ensure EU-compliant quality and sustainability.
Statistical Leadership in Global Knitwear
The Turkish textile and apparel sector, valued at nearly 38.6$ billion in 2023, is the 4th largest textile Exporter globally. Within this massive ecosystem, knitted products are the primary driver of value.
| Knitwear Segment | Turkey’s Global Rank | Key Export Data | Primary Market Share (2022) |
| Knitted Clothing | 6th largest Exporterworldwide | Accounted for 56.55% of total clothing exports in 2022 $11.01$ Billion). | EU Countries (61%) |
| T-Shirts/Pullovers | Top Exports within knitwear | Combined export value of 5.42$ Billion in 2022. | Germany, Spain, UK, US |
| Socks/Hosiery | 2nd Largest Manufacturer/Supplier in the World | Exports amounted to 1.33$Billion in 2022. | EU (Approximately 90% of production exported) |
(Source: OEC, Ministry of Trade, IHKIB, 2022/2023 Data)
Nearshoring Advantage: Speed vs. Cost
The core value proposition of Turkey / Türkiye to international buyers is the “speed to market” advantage. While labor costs are generally higher than in South Asia, the total fulfillment time from order to retail floor in Turkey can be under 50 days, compared to 150-170 days from Asia-Pacific, justifying the decision for brands who prioritize inventory agility and cash flow efficiency.
This strategic benefit is further enhanced by robust Logistics infrastructure and Trade agreements, which reduce transit times and customs friction with Europe.
Investment in Sustainable Manufacturing
In 2025, the demand for sustainable and circular Textiles is reshaping the knitwear supply chain. Türkiye’s producers are responding with high-impact Manufacturing investments:
- Green Compliance: Many Turkish Suppliers are proactively aligning with the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles, adopting certifications, and investing in energy-efficient systems like solar power generation and water-saving dyeing methods. This focus on Green Tech is crucial for long-term Exports.
- Innovation: Investment in advanced knitting machinery and digital solutions is maintaining the country’s competitive edge. Companies are focusing on producing high-value materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester, as seen in the broader Green Athleisure Boom: Turkish Manufacturers Secure Global Partnerships.
Current Headwinds and Economy Context
The Turkish ready-to-wear sector faced challenges in 2024 due to high domestic costs and fierce global competition, leading to reports of production losses. To counter this, Turkey is expanding its market reach beyond its traditional EU base, establishing stronger Trade ties and aiming to increase its presence in the US and emerging Asian markets, a goal supported by its broader Turkey’s Aggressive Free Trade Diplomacy: Unlocking New Markets.
Next Steps for Global Sourcing
For Sourcing managers and investors seeking a reliable, high-quality, and fast Nearshoring partner for Knitted Apparel, Turkey / Türkiye offers strategic advantages in Manufacturing and Logistics that significantly de-risk the supply chain.
To receive tailored guidance on optimizing your knitwear supply chain, including supplier identification and compliance auditing in Turkey, contact the experts at Burc Consulting.
