Approximately 440 exhibitors gathered at the Istanbul Expo Center on an area of 30,000 square meters, attracting over 18,000 visitors from over 100 countries, including the EU, UK, Eastern Europe, the USA, South America, North Africa, and the Middle East. The event was organized by the Istanbul Textile Exporters' Association (ITHIB) with the support of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ICOC).

Exhibitors at the fair

In a total of three halls, exhibitors presented the latest trends for Spring/Summer 2024 in high-quality stands. The focus was on textiles (woven and knitted fabrics), ingredients, prints, yarns, synthetic leather, and fibers. Fabric manufacturers, woven and knitted fabrics represented the largest exhibitor area with over 309 companies, followed by 48 accessory companies, 41 print companies, nine synthetic leather companies, and 18 companies offering yarns and fibers, including Sasa, Turkey's largest fiber producer. Other product groups were represented by twelve companies.

Goals of the Turkish textile industry

With approximately USD 13 b, the Turkish textile industry achieved its best export result ever last year. Overall, Turkey is already the second-largest producer for the EU, and globally, it ranks fifth. The country is the world's fourth-largest supplier of home textiles, fabrics, and denim fabrics, as well as the fifth-largest producer of yarns. In denim production, Turkey is even in first place.

The Turkish textile industry has ambitious goals for the near future. The aim is to increase export volume to USD 15 b, of which USD 7.5 b is to be exported to the EU and USD 1 b to the USA. Turkey aims to serve 20 % of textile imports to the EU and 5 % to the USA.

Sustainability

Sustainability was a major focus at Texhibition, as the Circular Economy Action Plan of the European Green Deal is an important reference point for the Turkish industry to meet the requirements of European customers. Manufacturers in the textile sector take adaptation to these regulations very seriously. The main objectives are to reduce water consumption, increase energy efficiency of renewable energy sources, promote organic cotton cultivation, ensure sustainable supply chain management, achieve zero waste in production and export, adopt circular economy principles, and implement tools for measuring carbon footprints.

Next Texhibition Istanbul

Since its premiere in January 2022, Texhibition has experienced significant growth, with increasing numbers of visitors and exhibitors, as well as a larger exhibition area. The next Texhibition Istanbul is planned for September 13-15, 2023. Fatih Bilici, Vice President of the Board of the Istanbul Textile Exporters Association (ITHIB), said: "We have noticed great interest from the industry. Texhibition has established itself as an international hub for efficient sourcing of the textile sector. Further innovations are planned for the next edition in September 2023, with a focus on healthy growth. Participants will be carefully selected to maintain the high quality standards of the fair. We had a waiting list of over 120 companies that wanted to participate in this event."