Achieving an average export value of USD 12 per kilogram in home textiles, Denizli demonstrates its strength in value-added production within the industry. In a statement to Anadolu Agency (AA), Denizli Exporters’ Association (DENİB) Chairman Hüseyin Memişoğlu noted that in a year marked by widespread global demand contraction, Denizli’s export performance presented a more optimistic outlook compared to Türkiye overall. Memişoğlu recalled that during the 11-month period of this year, textile and apparel exports across Türkiye declined by 4.8 percent year-on-year to USD 24 billion, while Denizli’s textile and apparel exports decreased by a more limited 2.7 percent, reaching USD 1.257 billion over the same period.
Nearly 90 percent of towels, bathrobes, and bedding in Türkiye are produced in Denizli
Emphasizing that they continue to maintain a strong position in home textiles, Memişoğlu said: “Our leadership in Türkiye in towels, bathrobes, and bedding continues. Approximately 90 percent of production in these categories is carried out in Denizli. In addition, our exports in home textiles are significant. During the first 11 months of this year, we achieved exports of USD 130 million in bathrobes, USD 410 million in towels, and USD 250 million in bedding.”
“When we look at export unit prices, it is clear that we have achieved success in value-added production. Currently, our export price for towels stands at around USD 9.70 per kilogram. For bathrobes, this reaches approximately USD 15 per kilogram, while in the bedding group the figure is around USD 10.5. When we consider these three export categories together, we have reached an average export value of USD 12 per kilogram. Given that the textile sector is both employment-intensive and capable of generating value-added exports—particularly enabling us to sell our own brands in nearby regions—we believe it deserves greater support.”
Memişoğlu also pointed out that while Türkiye’s overall export value averages USD 1.56 per kilogram, Denizli’s home textile exports can clearly be classified as ‘value-added’.
Certification process to begin under the Turkish Towels program
Stating that Denizli’s annual textile and apparel exports amount to approximately USD 1.4 billion, Memişoğlu said: “We have ongoing efforts to increase this figure in the coming period, and we hope to intensify these efforts. If our government also supports us, we believe we will have the opportunity to exceed our previous export levels once again. The ‘Turkish Towels’ program is particularly important for towel exports. We are about to launch a certification process under this program. With this certification, we hope to further increase our export figures.”
DENİB Chair Memişoğlu added that in the new year, they aim to increase exports of value-added products, strengthen their presence in alternative markets, and maintain their competitiveness in the European market.