Türkiye's Clothing Exports Rise 2.1% in 2006 Despite Forecasts of Sharp Drop

Türkiye's ready-to-wear and apparel sector brought in 13.9 billion USD in export revenue during 2006, a 2.1 percent gain over the previous year, according to the Istanbul Ready-to-Wear Exporters Association (IHKIB).

The result defied earlier predictions of a roughly 30 percent contraction. The European Union absorbed 76.3 percent of shipments, with growth recorded in Italy, Spain, and newer EU member states.

Exports to the United States fell 20.3 percent, generating 1.20 billion USD for the year.

IHKIB chairman Suleyman Orakcioglu set an ambitious near-term goal, saying the industry aims to "pass the psychological borderline of 15 billion USD" in 2007, with a stretch target of 17 to 18 billion USD. He added that by 2010 the sector hopes to rank among the countries that set global fashion trends.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in January 2007, in its own words.