Türkiye’s apparel and garment industry, one of the country’s leading export sectors and a major source of employment, is working to recover market share lost in recent years. With an eye on the world’s fashion capitals, the sector has already begun its marketing efforts for 2027.
The Aegean Apparel Exporters’ Association (EHKİB) has started preparations to organize Turkish national participation at the Première Vision fashion fairs scheduled to take place in the United States and France in January 2027. The association will represent Turkish exhibitors at Première Vision Manufacturing New York, to be held on 19-20 January 2027, and at Première Vision Paris, taking place from 26-28 January 2027.
Turkish apparel industry optimistic about 2027 and beyond
Çağlar Bağcı, Chair of EHKİB, underlined that maintaining a balance between rising production costs and inflation on one hand, and exchange rate movements on the other, remains crucial for the labour-intensive apparel industry. Referring to Türkiye’s Medium-Term Stability Programme for the 2027-2029 period, Bağcı noted that the gap between inflation and exchange rate growth is expected to narrow in 2027, while exchange rate increases in 2028 and 2029 are projected to be broadly in line with inflation. He said if these projections materialize, the long-standing cost-exchange rate challenge faced by exporters would ease significantly, highlighting that they expect a degree of relief for the apparel sector under these conditions, which is why they remain optimistic about 2027 and the years that follow.
Bağcı also pointed to the possibility of a rapprochement between Iran and the United States, saying that such a development could have a positive impact on global markets. “The end of geopolitical tensions could help revive demand, particularly in the European Union, our main export market. For our activities in the United States, another key market, the removal of the additional 12.5% duty imposed by the US is of critical importance. We expect high-level initiatives on this issue and hope for a positive outcome,” he said.
Highlighting expectations for renewed global apparel demand in 2027, Bağcı added: “If the global apparel market follows the upward trajectory anticipated by industry forecasts, 2027 could become a genuine year of recovery and growth. We strongly encourage Turkish exporting companies to participate in the trade fairs in the United States and France in January 2027 so that the Turkish fashion industry can secure a larger share of this recovery.”
Exhibitions expected to generate new partnerships and orders
Seray Seyfeli, Member of the EHKİB Board and Chair of the Foreign Market Strategies Development Committee, noted that consumers are increasingly favouring garments made from environmentally friendly and recycled materials. She announced that a dedicated B2B matchmaking programme will be organized alongside the Première Vision New York exhibition.
Emphasizing that the Turkish fashion industry has experienced a challenging period over the last four years, Seyfeli said: “We will work to ensure that our exports return to a growth trajectory from 2027 onward. Sportswear, as well as versatile, durable garments associated with the capsule wardrobe concept, are expected to stand out in the coming year. By accurately interpreting consumer preferences, we will support our industry through targeted marketing activities, starting with France and the United States in 2027.”
EHKİB participated in the July 2026 edition of Première Vision New York with 13 companies and in the September 2026 edition of Première Vision Paris with 19 companies.