The export performance of Turkiye’s apparel sector has entered choppy waters. In the period from January to September, exports in the apparel segment fell by 6.9 % year-on-year, signalling a broader set of headwinds ranging from weak global demand to intensifying competition from South Asia. fibre2fashion.com
In this article, we unpack what’s driving the drop, highlight the divisions between knitwear and woven apparel, and explore what Turkish firms are doing in response—including an increase in imports of non-knitted apparel hinting at a shift toward re-export models.

The Decline in Exports

According to a recent report, Turkiye’s apparel exports dropped 6.9 % in the January–September window. fibre2fashion.com
Several factors are at play:

• Weak global demand, as many key markets show retailer destocking and soft consumer sentiment.

• Intensified competition, especially from South Asia, where production costs remain lower.

• Cost inflation in Turkey, especially affecting higher-value (woven) garment production.
  For example: woven apparel exports suffered sharper declines than knitwear, due to higher production costs and the effects of retailer destocking. fibre2fashion.com
  Meanwhile, imports of non-knitted apparel rose—suggesting many Turkish firms are increasingly relying on re-export models (importing garments or partially finished apparel, then re-exporting them) to cope with cost pressures.

Woven vs Knitwear: A Divergent Story

The downturn is uneven across product types:

• Woven apparel: exposed to higher unit costs, more complex supply chains, and greater vulnerability when retailers reduce orders or inventory. As one paper notes, woven garments tend to have higher unit values than knitwear. politesi.polimi.it+1

• Knitwear: somewhat more resilient, because basic knitted garments often cater to more price-sensitive segments, and may see steadier demand.
  Thus, the sharper drop in woven exports clearly reflects how cost pressures and retail destocking hit the more premium segments harder.

Rising Imports & Re-Export Models

An interesting counter-trend: imports of non-knitted apparel into Turkey rose in the same period. This is significant because it suggests Turkish apparel firms are increasingly shifting toward importing garments or semi-finished goods, then re-exporting them. This strategy can help mitigate high domestic production costs. fibre2fashion.com
From a strategic standpoint, this signals:

• Domestic manufacturing cost competitiveness is under strain.

• Turkish firms are adapting by sourcing externally and acting more as intermediaries/exporters rather than full manufacturers.

• The apparel value chain in Turkey may be shifting toward higher value-added services (logistics, finishing, branding) rather than full upstream production.

Competitive Pressures: South Asia & Cost Inflation

One of the under-the-radar drivers is competition from South Asia (e.g., Bangladesh, Vietnam, India). Low labour costs, efficient supply chains and aggressive pricing are eroding Turkey’s edge in its traditional European market. The report explicitly mentions “strong competition from South Asia”. fibre2fashion.com
Additionally, production cost inflation in Turkey (wages, energy, raw materials) has squeezed margins. The global backdrop of weak retail demand further magnifies this challenge, as buyers push for lower prices or cancel orders.

Implications for Turkey’s Fashion & Apparel Industry

For fashion educators, manufacturers and supply-chain stakeholders (including those in India and South Asia), the developments in Turkey hold several lessons:

• The value chain is under pressure: high-cost production zones must add value (design, branding, quick turnaround) to survive.

• Geographical advantage (proximity to Europe) is no longer enough; cost competitiveness and agile supply-chain responses matter.

• For students in fashion design education (your target audience in India): the rise of cheaper supply-sources in South Asia means differentiation by design excellence, sustainability credentials, and speed to market will gain importance.

• For entrepreneurs launching boutiques or sourcing internationally: Turkey may shift from being a manufacturing hub to more of a finishing/branding hub. This could open opportunities for collaboration, sourcing, or service-exports.

Conclusion

In short, Turkiye’s apparel exports falling by 6.9 % in January–September expose a sector at a crossroads—caught between weak global demand, rising costs, and stiff competition. The sharper drop in woven apparel and the rise in imports of non-knitted goods are especially telling signs of structural change.
For stakeholders in the fashion-education and manufacturing space (including in India), the takeaway is clear: cost-led manufacturing alone won’t be enough. The future lies in agility, differentiation, value-added services and intelligent supply-chain positioning. Turkey may well pivot—and the question is whether other regions will leapfrog it in the supply-chain race.