Turkiye's apparel exports to Ukraine normalise after last year's surge

Turkiye's apparel exports to Ukraine were valued at $197.1 million during the first ten months of the current year, 2023. However, this trade figure pales in comparison to the remarkable shipments of the previous year. Nonetheless, the trade has exhibited steady growth relative to the shipments of prior years. In fact, Turkiye's apparel exports to Ukraine experienced a surprising surge due to the changing geopolitical scenario. 

Meanwhile, there are reports that both nations are poised to ratify a free trade agreement (FTA), which could further enhance their bilateral trade. 

Turkiye's shipments dropped by 21.55 per cent in January-October 2023, down from $251.241 million in the same period last year. The trade had reached a peak of $424.988 million in 2022, more than doubling the shipment of 2021, which was recorded at $202.739 million. Turkiye's apparel shipments were noted at $132.777 million in 2018 and increased to $156.849 million in 2019. However, they dipped to $150.390 million in 2020, according to Fibre2Fashion's market insight tool TexPro. 

Last year, the shipments more than doubled due to the changing geopolitical landscape, influenced by military conflicts with Russia. Turkiye's geographical proximity to Ukraine enabled it to provide ample supplies amid the uncertainties of the war. 

Turkiye's apparel exports to Ukraine accounted for just 1.28 per cent of its total shipments of $15.373 billion during January-October 2023. Further data analysis revealed that trousers and shorts dominated, with a 23.58 per cent share in Turkiye's apparel exports to Ukraine in the first ten months of the current year. Among the top five products, T-shirts held a 14.23 per cent share, ensembles 10.24 per cent, jerseys 7.23 per cent, and shirts 6.39 per cent, as per TexPro. 

ALCHEMPro News Desk (KUL)