Şenol Şenkaya, CEO of Yeşim Group evaluated his expectations for 2025 and the future of the Turkish textile industry. Stating that the decline in the effects of the pandemic and geopolitical tensions has revitalized the economy, Şenkaya said that the Turkish textile industry can benefit from this positive atmosphere, but it is critical to solve problems such as inflation and price stability. Emphasizing that the demand for sustainable products is increasing, Şenkaya said that environmental compliance will provide a competitive advantage in the sector. He also stated that with Türkiye’s strong infrastructure and geographical advantages, they aim to gain strength in the international arena by focusing on value-added and innovative products. He expressed his belief that the Turkish textile industry will be in a stronger position in the future with its adaptability despite the challenges.
2025 Outlook:
It is said that the pandemic is far behind, the fires of wars have started to cool down, and the economy, which has been squeezed due to all these global negative developments, has a great vitality. What are the effects of this positive atmosphere on the Turkish textile industry? What are your expectations and predictions for 2025?
“Şenol Şenkaya: The reduced effects of the pandemic and geopolitical tensions have allowed economies to breathe. As the Turkish textile industry, we can of course benefit from this positive atmosphere, but there are still some challenges to be solved. In particular, bringing inflation under control and achieving price stability will play a critical role in how the coming period will be shaped. If this happens, we expect a more balanced and predictable economic environment in the second half of the year.
The recovery process in our main export markets such as Europe and the US continues. This could be an opportunity for Türkiye. We see that consumer habits have changed after the pandemic and the demand for sustainable products is increasing day by day. Investments and innovative solutions in this area can take us one step ahead in the coming period. Complying with environmental standards is no longer a choice, but an obligation. But this is not only a legal requirement; it is also a great opportunity to make a difference in the sector and gain a competitive advantage.
Of course, there are also risks. Global uncertainties and high interest rates may continue to weigh on consumer spending. In particular, regulations such as the European Union’s carbon border tax require companies to accelerate their environmental compliance processes. However, we see a great opportunity here. Companies that invest in sustainability-oriented production will not only adapt, but will also gain strength both in the domestic market and in exports.
As Yeşim Group, we see 2025 as a year of opportunity where we will lead the change. We will focus more on value-added products and increase our strength in the international arena with innovative and environmentally friendly solutions. Türkiye’s geographical location and strong production infrastructure, combined with its fast supply capacity, provide us with great advantages. We will continue our efforts to utilize these more effectively.
In conclusion, we expect 2025 to be a period full of both opportunities and challenges. As a sector, we must quickly adapt to changing conditions, increase our competitiveness and produce innovative solutions. I believe that if we can utilize the potential of the textile industry in the right way, we will reach a stronger position on a global scale.”
The Future of the Turkish Textile Industry:
Recently, criticisms such as “textile in Türkiye is over, production has shifted to the east and to countries such as Egypt” have been frequently voiced. How accurate do you think these comments are? What kind of a road map should the Turkish textile industry follow in 2025 and how do you see the future of the industry?
“Şenol Şenkaya: I would like to say that these statements do not fully reflect the situation. The Turkish textile industry has a deep-rooted history and a strong infrastructure. Our production capacity, our flexibility in the global market and our ability to brand with quality products are still among the strengths of the sector. However, we must also acknowledge that changing economic conditions and rising costs have put considerable strain on our sector.
Türkiye today faces significant macroeconomic challenges such as high inflation, rising minimum wages and volatile exchange rates. These factors limit the competitiveness of our exporters. We clearly see that cost-based competition, especially with Far Eastern countries, has reached an unsustainable point. However, at this point, as a sector, we have an obligation to seize opportunities and renew our strategies.
We anticipate that 2025 will be a year of recovery for us. If access to finance, high costs and pressures on domestic demand continue, we can say that the first half will be difficult. However, if inflation declines, we expect a more stable economic environment in the second half of the year. At this point, the most important task for our companies is to make the right investments and make innovation a priority.
I would like to underline the opportunities especially in the fields of sustainability and technical textiles. The world now prefers environmentally friendly solutions and innovative production methods. I believe that Türkiye has the potential to lead in this field. For example, as Yeşim Group, 70 percent of the products we export consist of sustainable materials. Our industry should make a difference not only with traditional ready-to-wear products, but also with technical textiles and industrial solutions.
On the other hand, we need to take more aggressive steps not only in production but also in marketing and branding in order to be present in international markets. Raising the quality perception of Turkish textiles and gaining a stronger place in the global arena with high value-added products will be the key to our long-term success.
In conclusion, the Turkish textile industry, despite all the challenges it faces, has a strong adaptability. Future success depends on industry players collaborating, being open to innovation and creating a strategic roadmap. I believe that if we manage this process correctly, we will see Türkiye regain strength in the textile industry.”
