Turkeys Textile Sector Analysis - Thesis Example

World production is fragmented and dispersed around the world. The global textile industry is expected to grow to about 700bn dollars by 2012 from 480bn dollars in 2008 (Intexfair, 2008). In a liberalized environment while the sector is posing challenges it is also creating opportunities (Teonline, 2009). The sector has gone into a phase of transformation since the elimination of quotas. Competitors, as well as consumers, have entered the global market with the desire to grow. The chart below shows how global consumption has increased over the years, thereby confirming the increase in demand: Table I: World Textile & Apparel Trade Source: Teonline (2009).

The demand for clothing and textiles has increased as is evident from the per capita textile consumption chart given below: Table II: Per Capita Textile Consumption Source: Teonline (2009). . The costs in the Eastern European countries have increased causing a setback for these countries. They are hence trying to refocus and reposition in higher market segments. Western countries focus on imports which take care of almost 85-90% of their consumption. Italy continues to lead in the luxury segment and Turkey is closely connected to Italy.

Turkey is emerging as a critical regional player. They have been creating new regional brand players by providing them with “Turquality” accreditation. This serves to strengthen the brand and enhance the recognition and awareness of Turkish brands. 1.2 Rationale for research With the abolition of quotas from 2005, a number of changes have taken place in the sector including shifting of the supply base, the decline in the sourcing prices, and re-orientation of the buyer-seller relationship (Intexfair, 2008).

The phase-out of quotas has seen the emergence of China and other Asian countries gain in market share. Major restructuring is taking place in the sector due to intense competition from los cost products from China in the European Union and the US, both of which are the principal markets for Turkey’s textile sector. The Turkish ready-made manufactures have been hard hit because of the declining markets and shrinking profits (Turkey-now, 2008). Rising domestic labor and energy costs have also made the ready-made producers uncompetitive.

The sector in Turley also uses more expensive energy and financing than is used in the US and Europe. The industry is expected to lose 30 percent of the market share in the EU as cheaper apparel flood the markets. This could result in net damage of 2.5bn dollars which accounts for 3.5 percent of Turkey’s projected export figures.