Full Breakdown
Crisis in Turkey's Textile Industry: A Struggle for Survival
2/2/2026, 1:19:28 AM
Overview of the Crisis
Turkey's textile industry is facing a severe crisis, marked by factory closures and significant job losses. The sector, traditionally a cornerstone of the Turkish economy, has seen 380,000 jobs vanish over the past three years, with 4,500 companies shutting down in 2025 alone. The industry is grappling with dwindling exports as competition from China and Bangladesh intensifies, particularly in the European Union (EU) market, where Turkish market share has plummeted.
Impact on Workers
The plight of workers is exemplified by the situation at Sik Makas, one of Turkey's largest textile companies. Following a strike in October 2025, approximately 1,000 employees were abruptly terminated. Workers like Sunduz Akkan, who had been employed for over three years, are now fighting for severance pay and have protested against their treatment. The company has been accused of creating a hostile work environment, with reports of limited access to medical care and strict regulations on breaks. Buse Kara, a spokesperson for the fired workers, highlighted the intense pressure to increase productivity, stating, "We weren't allowed to see a nurse unless we were passed out or writhing in pain."
Structural Challenges
The Turkish textile sector employs about 1.1 million people, although unions argue the actual number is higher due to unregistered workers. Mehmet Turkmen, leader of the BIRTEK-SEN union, criticized the industry's reliance on minimum wage labor, which often falls below the poverty line for families. He also pointed out that many companies are relocating to rural areas to exploit lower wages, exacerbating the economic challenges faced by workers.
Market Dynamics
The crisis is further compounded by Turkey's loss of market share in the EU, where imports from China and Bangladesh surged by 21.8% and 17.9%, respectively, while Turkish exports declined by 5.1%. This marks a significant shift, as 2025 was the first year in three decades that Turkey's share of the EU clothing market fell below 5%. The Istanbul Textile and Raw Materials Exporters Association (ITHIB) has noted that over 60% of Turkey's clothing production is destined for the EU, making this decline particularly alarming.
Official Responses and Future Outlook
In response to the crisis, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has promised to increase state subsidies and freeze layoffs. However, industry leaders express skepticism about the effectiveness of these measures. Seref Fayat from the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) predicts a bleak future unless significant changes occur. Mustafa Pasahan, Vice President of the Istanbul Apparel Exporters Association (IHKIB), stated, "We have hit bottom. Our strength has run out," while Jak Eskinazi, chair of ITHIB, criticized the government's approach as detrimental to the industry.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Now we're being treated like beggars, even though we're just asking for what we're entitled to.” — Sunduz Akkan, Former Employee
- “We weren't allowed to see a nurse unless we were passed out or writhing in pain,” — Buse Kara, Spokesperson for Fired Workers
- “We have hit bottom. Our strength has run out.” — Mustafa Pasahan, Vice President of IHKIB
- “We no longer expect anything from them. We're just trying to save ourselves,” — Jak Eskinazi, Chair of ITHIB
Conclusion
The ongoing crisis in Turkey's textile industry highlights the intersection of economic pressures, labor rights, and market dynamics. As workers continue to fight for their rights amidst a backdrop of declining exports and increasing competition, the future of this vital sector remains uncertain.
