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Bursa and Turkey, which have seen recent success in baby and children's clothing, have begun to establish themselves as global brands. Despite the quarantines due to the pandemic in 2021, Turkey had a 30 percent growth in exports compared to 2020. The country is optimistic that the trend will continue in 2022.

Turkey's progress in baby and children's clothing continues thanks to new yarn types that develop with technology and machines that increase production. Its success, especially in anti-allergic product groups, is increasing day by day. The fact that the producers in Bursa follow the demands and the innovations around the world and reflect them on production also reflects on exports on both city and country basis.

Bursa, which left China behind last year, seems to strengthen Turkey's place in this sector this year. Due to the diversification of consumer demands in baby and children's clothing, export lanes between countries are also changing. The diversity of production also increases when shaping the fashion industry becomes important.

Bursa's Contribution to the Baby and Children's Clothing Industry

Companies in Bursa, where 80% of Turkey's baby and children's clothing production is carried out, also export to more than 60 countries. Baby & Child Clothing Industry Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (BEKSİAD) President Ömer Yıldız commented on the subject. He said that they were exporting all over the world and that the demands were not decreasing. Turkey's main goal in recent years is to be more active in the European and American markets. Yıldız continued his words by saying that the export potential to South America had started to emerge. He also expressed that they expected Turkey to be effective in all markets in the coming years.

In his speech, Yıldız emphasized the following statement. "We want to be more effective in the European and American markets. In addition, we are increasing our effectiveness in Europe day by day as a sector. Our trade to Europe continues with mutual agreements."

It was also included in the speeches that they believed that the agreements that would enable the development of the European and American markets. This, in turn, would yield excellent results for everyone.

''I Believe 2022 Will Be a Good Year''

Ismail Kuş, Vice President of the Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTSO) and owner of the baby-child enterprise also spoke. He recalled that the sector had good momentum before the Covid-19 epidemic.

Negative processes that occurred in all export sectors due to the epidemic also occurred in baby and children's clothing. However, when looking at the worldwide situation, Turkey's promising progress should not be overlooked. Referring to this, Kuş said, " 2021 has been much better than 2020 in terms of baby and children's clothing sector."

He emphasized that the industry had problems with raw materials. "I predict that 2022 will be very good if we overcome these." He said. Moreover, Kuş expressed that the willingness of the foreign visitors and buyers in the purchasing committees to Bursa International Baby, Children's Ready-to-Wear and Children's Needs Fair gave them hope.

Every product becomes more known thanks to fairs, and this is more profitable in baby and children's clothing. Many buyers, from foreign manufacturers to companies, visit the fairs and search for new products in the field of apparel. Bursa is seen as the epicenter of Turkey in terms of baby and children's apparel. For this reason, as Kuş said, Bursa’s products have great value, especially in clothing fairs both in Bursa and other cities.

The Effect of the Troubles in the Far East on Turkey

He stressed that the crisis in the Far East market's energy and production phases was an opportunity for Turkey. He added that Turkey was one of the first countries that came to mind when issues in the Far East arose. The biggest reason for this is that Turkey is a well-known country when it comes to quality in production. Kuş noted that Turkish products were always preferred in the world due to their quality. "As long as the problem persists and our quality is recognized, our chances in the world will improve. In 2022, I can confidently state that we as an industry are more optimistic and have high hopes."

The unfortunate developments in the Far East made Turkey's baby and children's clothing field more widespread. With the increasing hopes for 2022, baby and children's clothing manufacturers started their research in the export sector.

At this stage, Turkish Goods continues to be a reliable name in exports. Turkish Goods is the new face of the export sector, with its transportation systems that can be delivered to every country from Turkey.

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Spices are and have been a major part of our lives. They were incredibly important throughout history and will continue to be. Many were revered for their therapeutic benefits long before they were used in cooking. Modern science has now demonstrated that many of these do, in fact, provide significant health benefits.

With this being the case, spices are the world's 642nd most traded product with a total trade value of $2.88B. Between 2018 and 2019, Spice exports increased by 1.72% from $2.83B to $2.88B, and it seems that it will continue to increase. Spice trades account for 0.016% of total world trade. However, considering how many products are traded in the world, this percentage is too high. Economically, it's huge.

Turkey's Spice Exports Skyrocketed

Spices produced in Turkey have become the world's favorite. Spices not only add flavor to the food, but they also make a substantial contribution to Turkey's exports. Perhaps the most popular among them is red pepper flakes. The export of red pepper flakes, one of the indispensable ingredients of dishes in Turkey, increased by 21.8% in 2021 compared to the previous year and reached $9.2M.

According to the data from The Southeast Anatolian Exporters Associations, $7.5M of red pepper flakes were exported from Turkey in 2020. In 2021, exports exceeded the previous year's figures by 21.8% and reached $9.2M

Last year, 3,886 tons of red pepper flakes were sold to 114 countries, including Germany, Saudi Arabia, England, the Netherlands, France, Sweden, Canada, Italy, and the USA. Germany was the country to which red pepper flakes were exported the most with 2 million 202 thousand dollars. It was followed by the Netherlands with 1 million 591 thousand dollars and the UK with 997 thousand dollars.

Thyme, Bay Leaf and Cumin Stood Out in Exports

Thyme, bay leaves, and cumin were the most popular exports. With 64 million dollars in total spice exports, thyme accounted for 30% of total spice exports. It was followed by bay leaf, which had a $44M export, and cumin, which had an $11M export.

90% of Thyme is Produced in Denizli

It is estimated that thyme exports would be even higher if there was no drought. 23 thousand tons of thyme export was foreseen in 2021, but it remained at 21 thousand tons. 90 percent of thyme is produced in Denizli.

Nevertheless, the demand for thyme is expected to continue. A new region has been identified in the Tavas district. An area where production will be close to the current production. Organic thyme production is planned there. It is a huge area of ​​100 thousand decares. In this way, the way for the production of thyme will be opened.

Ege Furniture Paper and Forest Products Exporters' Association President Yağcı spoke on the matter. He stated that they foresaw at least a 5 percent increase in spice exports in the new year. "We can easily say that 212 million dollars will go to 250 million dollars in 2-3 years. Thyme exports also suffer from low yields due to climatic conditions. If not, it will increase by at least 10 percent." It seems that the amount of export will increase even more and will bring more profit to the producers.

Turkey’s Spice Variety

The presence of spices is also very rich in Turkey, which has a large genetic diversity due to its geographical location. Production and trade of spices such as cumin, thyme, coriander, and bay leaves, especially red pepper, are at a good point. While Turkey is at the forefront of red pepper production, it also meets 40% of the world's thyme production.

Approximately 25% of the 650 species that are present in the spice flora of Turkey are grown in the Black Sea Region. However, the production of the products that are subject to exportation in terms of value and quantity is made in the Aegean Region. About 191 of the spice plants grown in Turkey have been exported at various times. Out of 350 spice plants that are subject to trade in the world, 100 of them are currently exported from Turkey, albeit in very small quantities.

The most significant trait that international markets look for in spice plants originating in the wild is an output of a certain quality and standard. Taking thyme as an example, which Turkey exports the most in terms of value among spice plants, it can be seen that 20% of the production is still acquired from nature.

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Burak Sertbaş is the President of the Aegean Ready-Made Clothing and Apparel Exporters' Association (EHKİB). He announced the 2022 targets at the press conference while evaluating the 4-year process. "In 2022, Turkey-wide ready-made clothing exports will be realized at the level of $22 billion. And as EHKİB, I predict that our exports will reach the level of $1.6 billion."

The Turkish ready-to-wear and apparel industry reached the level of 20 billion $250 million in exports for the first time in 2021. It had a foreign trade surplus of $18 billion. Aegean Ready-to-Wear and Apparel Exporters' Association contributed $1.5 billion to Turkey's exports in 2021.

Burak Sertbaş, President of the Aegean Ready-to-Wear and Apparel Exporters' Association, EHKİB Vice Presidents Seray Seyfeli and Toygar Narbay were present. They shared their evaluation of 2021, predictions and projects for 2022 with the Izmir economy press and the public. Sertbaş said that in 2022, Turkey's overall ready-made clothing exports would reach $22 billion. EHKİB predicts that exports will reach $1.6 billion.

18% Increase Compared to the Previous Year

Turkey's ready-made clothing exports reached $20.2 billion in 2021 with an increase of 18% compared to the previous year, according to Sertbaş. The top 5 countries to which Turkey exported the most are Spain, Germany, England, the Netherlands, and the USA. He continued. “With our solid sustainable infrastructure, our investments in cleaner production and our advantage of proximity to Europe, I predict that our ready-made clothing exports will reach $22 billion in 2022 and that our exports will be $1.6 billion as EHKİB.”

The Occupancy Rate of Textile Engineering Increased to 83%

Aegean Ready-to-Wear and Apparel Exporters' Association Vice President Toygar Narbay also spoke on the matter. He said that they were carrying out a project to introduce the textile engineering department to high school students.

A total of 230 students who chose the textile engineering department within the scope of the project and ranked in the first 80 thousand were entitled to receive scholarships, including this year. 16% of the students studying in the textile engineering department have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience by starting their business life before they graduate. While the occupancy rate of the textile engineering department was 42% before the project, this rate is now 83%.

Sustainability Drives the Future of Turkish Fashion

According to the Istanbul Apparel Exporters' Association (IHKIB), Turkey is the world's sixth-largest provider of apparel, with exports worth more than $17 billion in 2020. However, the association believes that the future success of the sector will not be determined by mere volume. Indeed, as more apparel is produced, manufacturers must continue to adjust their technical and manufacturing infrastructure in a more sustainable manner if they want to thrive.

Turkish manufacturers are keeping a close watch on the changing global agenda and developing action plans in response to the shifts. Mustafa Gültepe, the head of IHKIB, spoke on the matter. According to him, the Turkish garment industry's current and future strategies are fully addressing and further aligning the global apparel value chain's sustainability issues.

Turkish companies are focused on several areas where they may improve the process. Water treatment, energy reduction, and the de-emphasis of dyes are crucial when it comes to making clothes more sustainably.

Mehmet Kaya, an IHKIB board member, stressed the importance of a "partner chain" within the Turkish garment industry. A typical supply chain encourages manufacturers to assume complete responsibility for customer satisfaction with the product.

This partner chain mentality is even more vital for sustainability. Because it ensures that all stakeholders understand their role in delivering responsibly manufactured clothes to the consumer. This includes worker safety and labor compliance, which are tragically neglected in many parts of the world, notably in factories.

Digitization is a popular topic of conversation when it comes to the apparel supply chain. However, it must be linked to sustainability in order to succeed. "A few years ago, sustainability was nice to have. But now it is a ‘must' rather than an option. Without technology, it is impossible to track and control sustainability," Kaya noted.

Turkey’s Unrivaled Exporter of Whole Goods

Turkey continues to prove itself in exports, develops, and changes. Likewise, Turkish Goods remains to be a trustworthy exporter, providing a variety of products.

Turkey's constantly expanding ready-made clothing sector has been attracting importers' attention from all over the world. High-quality clothes in many different categories are being manufactured in Turkey each day. You can import the best quality clothes from Turkey by contacting Turkish Goods.

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According to the statements of Mahsum Altunkaya, Chairman of TIM, Turkish grain, and pulses exporters exported 930 tons of products last year, and in return, they generated $9.156B.

TIM Chairman Altunkaya stated that the exporters achieved tremendous success and finished the year well over aim, mentioning that the exporters hit $847M in exports in the first month of this year. Exports in the sectors climbed by 41.43% over the same period last year. It is a significant accomplishment for Turkey. Every year, these sectors increase their exports.

Altunkaya also stated that they want to continue to work hard to grow exports and contribute more to the country's economy and that they participate in the world's major food fairs.

2021 Was a Year of Record Export Figures

In 2021, there was a record increase in export figures across the country. Sector exports reached 9 billion 156 million dollars with an increase of 25.57 percent. Despite the challenging conditions of the pandemic, Turkish exporters exceeded the targeted figures at the end of the year. This has been a source of great pride for Turkey. The country, full of fertile lands, sent 9.7 million tons of grain, pulses, and oilseeds to 214 countries in the January-November period. Agricultural products have been in great demand from the supply chains in the world with their quality and aroma. 

In the January-November period, Turkish agricultural products were delivered mostly to the Middle Eastern countries generating 3 billion 234 million 885 thousand dollars. These countries were followed by African countries with 1 billion 927 million 305 thousand dollars. And European countries with 860 million 740 thousand dollars. The export value was 7 billion 298 million 64 thousand dollars the year before. However, it was exceeded with 8 billion 215 million 42 thousand dollars in the 11 months of 2021.

Turkey’s Exports Continually Gain Momentum

Turkey gained significant momentum in exports compared to 2020. The country maintains trade with many countries of the world and continues to seek new markets. Compared to the previous year, in 2021, exports to the USA increased by 40.85% and to Iraq by 26.38%. Exports to Germany increased by 7.68%, to Israel by 26.25%, and to the United Kingdom by 18% on a value basis.

As for the country-based exports in the sector, Iraq ranked first with 1 billion 635 million 509 thousand dollars. Syria was the second with 558 million 571 thousand dollars and the USA was the third with 551 million 831 thousand dollars.

Within the scope of exporters' associations, GAIB (Southeastern Anatolia Exporters Union) made the highest amount of grain and pulses exports with 2 billion 944 million 357 thousand dollars. Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, Diyarbakır, Mardin, Malatya, Kahramanmaraş, Kilis and Adıyaman are the provinces affiliated to GAIB. After GAIB, Istanbul Exporters' Association with 2 billion 361 million 413 thousand dollars and Mediterranean Exporter Associations with 1 billion 578 million 32 thousand dollars took place.

Exports of sugar and sugary products increased by 33.09 percent, pastry products by 11.05 percent, cocoa products by 19.89 percent, and milling products by 2.10 percent compared to 2020.

The Demand for Turkish Products is Increasing

Turkish grain and pulse exporters ship agricultural products cultivated in Anatolia's rich regions all over the world. These Turkish products are loved and consumed all over the world. Since these products are loved and consumed, interest and demand for them are increasing day by day.

Therefore, it is estimated that the success achieved in the first month is not temporary and will continue steadily. Last year's targeted 7.5 billion dollars worth of exports was exceeded with an export worth over 9 billion dollars. This year, the bar has been set at $11 billion, and the TIM president Altunkaya is hopeful about the outcomes. Altunkaya added that to increase the trade volume, they will keep the existing markets and turn to the European and American markets in particular.

Moreover, he underlined the vital importance of agricultural products in human life. "Agricultural products are of great importance in terms of healthy and high-quality nutrition for people. Turkey's place in this sector, which has vast fertile lands, is known worldwide. Our sector closed last year with the export of over 9 billion dollars. We are increasing the targets of our sector day by day. For this year, we have set a target of 11 billion dollars. We will do our best to achieve this goal," said, Altunkaya.

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The Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ICI) released the Turkish Manufacturing Industry Export Climate Index for January 2022. The index analyzes the operating conditions of the Turkish manufacturing sector in the main export markets. All figures in the index that are greater than 50 indicate an improvement in the export climate. While values less than 50 indicate a deterioration.

In the calculation of the Turkey Export Climate Index, the national PMI indices of the countries that are among the main export markets of the Turkish manufacturing sector are used.

These indices are calculated in the light of data obtained from surveys conducted regularly in more than 40 countries by IHS Markit. The data are created using statistics on the share of export markets in Turkish manufacturing exports. With this index, which is a preliminary indicator, the development and potential of Turkey's main export markets can be monitored. Moreover, with this method, clues can be obtained about which markets to focus on.

The Turkish Manufacturing Industry Export Climate Index was above 50 in January. It indicated an increase in manufacturers' export climate for the 12th consecutive month. The index, which was at 53.9 in December, fell to 52.3 in January, the lowest level since February 2021. The faster strengthening of demand conditions in February was mainly due to the stabilization of the Omicron variant in many main export markets.

Turkey’s Export Climate is Continuously Strengthening

The index continued its recovery, which started after 19.1, the lowest level in data history, in April 2020. It exceeded the threshold value of 50 for the first time in July 2020 and remained above the threshold value.

The Manufacturing Sector Export Climate Index, which was measured as 53.9 in December, pointed out that the strengthening of the export climate continues healthily. With this continuation, the current improvement trend has reached 11 months. The improvement in demand conditions was at the most moderate level of the last 10 months. This was due to the emergence of the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 epidemic and the consequent disruptions in the main export markets.

Andrew Harker, Economics Director of IHS Markit, evaluated the Export Climate Index.

“The spread of the Omicron variant continued to negatively impact the demand from Turkish manufacturers in the main export markets in January. This effect was most notable in the USA. However, the recent easing of the pandemic in some countries has strengthened hopes that the slowdowns will be short-lived. And that demand will start to grow faster in the coming period of 2022,” said Harker.

Omicron Variant of Covid-19 Affected Exports in the World

The improvement in the demand conditions of the export markets continued to slow down in the first month of the year. This was again due to the disruptions caused by the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 outbreak. One of the reasons for the slowdowns in the first month is USA's sudden decreased momentums. The introduction of the Omicron variation contributed to the country's sluggish growth, which has slowed to its lowest level in a year and a half.

The United States, Turkey's second-largest export market after Germany, accounts for around 7% of total manufacturing sector exports. In Germany, after the slight decline in December, the production gave signs of improvement in January. January data pointed to a strong increase in economic activity.

The Omicron variant had a negative impact on operations in various other Eurozone countries. While production growth in France and Italy has slowed, economic activity in Spain has decreased for the first time in nearly a year. On the other hand, the manufacturing sector's demand circumstances in the Netherlands began to improve in 2022. In the United Kingdom, where there are hints of an abating Omicron wave, production climbed sharply. And growth accelerated compared to the previous month.

Strongest Growth Rates in the Middle East

The strongest growth rates were recorded in the Middle East in January. Economic activity increased rapidly in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. On the other hand, production in Egypt, which continued to slow down, recorded the sharpest drop since June 2020. There are more positive developments in parts of Central and Eastern Europe. While growth accelerated in Poland and the Czech Republic, economic activity in Russia recorded a moderate increase after two months of contraction.

Despite the slowing recovery in Poland, demand in the Czech Republic has significantly strengthened. Czech Republic's manufacturing industry production had the fastest increase since the last August. The state of emergency in Kazakhstan adversely affected the activities and the sharpest contraction in economic activity took place in this country in the first month of the year.

"Unfortunately, the global economy ended 2021 under a familiar outlook, and the Covid-19 pandemic continued to determine economic trends. The Omicron variant played a disruptive role in economic activities in countries where it became dominant. As of the beginning of 2022, the possibility of the variant spreading to other parts of the world poses a significant risk to growth,” said Harker.

National E-Agriculture Strategy Launch Meeting within the scope of Agriculture 4.0 was held. The Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Bekir Pakdemirli was also present at the event. In his speech, Pakdemirli said that one of the most important new policy approaches was to evaluate the opportunities offered by information and communication technologies in the field of agriculture with the right strategies.

Many manufacturers, non-governmental organizations, and organizations have contributed to this plan, which has been reviewed and criticized. Pakdemirli highlighted "The project was developed in cooperation with everyone who is experienced in every field of production and has knowledge on this subject."

What is the National E-Agriculture Strategy Support Project?

While the globe moves closer to a digital age every day, the agriculture industry, like many others, is undergoing a digital transition. Turkey's top priorities include keeping up with this development and ensuring the incorporation of digital technologies into agriculture.

Starting from information and communication technologies, it is necessary to keep up with technology in agriculture. Based on this, the project, whose scope and function were determined in 2019, aims to develop agriculture.

E- Agriculture is the design, development, and implementation of new methods to use information and communication technologies, particularly digital technology. It is especially crucial in fields including agriculture, fishery, forestry, and animal husbandry. In this setting, those who make a living from agriculture will have more access to information. Information will help them make the best decisions possible and use current resources efficiently and sustainably.

Information and communication technologies that can be exploited for e-agriculture include devices, networks, services, and applications.

Pakdemirli mentioned the digitalization moves they have implemented in agriculture. He stated that they have developed and put into service the "Digital Agricultural Market (DİTAP)". DİTAP will carry the entire chain from food production to consumption into a digital environment.

He stated that the "Agriculture and Forestry Academy" has been implemented for the use of e-learning tools in agriculture. In this regard, 81 integrated services and 277 authentication systems are included in E-Government.

$7.2B Foreign Trade Surplus

Pakdemirli noted that the pandemic is a very important test for the countries' food safety strategies. He added the fact that there are no concerns with food safety in Turkey. This confirms the accuracy of the strategies and regulations. Emphasizing Turkey's geographical advantage and agricultural production figures, Pakdemirli also stated the figures.

"Although we rank 31st in terms of agricultural land, we are among the first in Europe and the top 10 countries in the world in terms of agricultural output." In 2021, Turkey's agricultural exports climbed by nearly 21% over the previous year to $25 billion, while the foreign trade surplus increased by 31% to 7%.

In 2020, the International Trade Center (ITC) reported that self-sufficiency rates in China, Germany, and the United States were 46 percent, 78 percent, and 88 percent, respectively. Turkey had a rate of 136 percent.

Pakdemirli emphasized that these data fully show that Turkey is self-sufficient in agricultural and food products and is in a "guaranty exporter" position.

Agricultural Technology to Develop in Turkey

Pakdemirli refers to innovative systems to try to convey what 4.0 is all about, such as "a field plowed with driverless tractors, tracking the development of plants with sensors, storing and using all data on the cloud." In addition, the spraying of plants with a drone and the coordinated operation of all machines and systems will be possible with 4.0.

Even though Turkey's fertile lands provide plenty of healthy products, agricultural production should both become more efficient and agricultural technology should develop. The way to achieve this goes through Agriculture 4.0.

It was stated that 4.0 will open the door to a new development period in Turkey within the scope of food safety and protection of the rights of the producer.

Three Main Goals of Agriculture 4.0

Changes in the way information is utilized to plan, manage, and supply agricultural services are being made to ensure that resources are used more effectively and efficiently, allowing for a more profitable, equitable, and sustainable agricultural industry. Thanks to 4.0, agriculture will become more effective. At this stage, Pakdemirli touched upon the three main objectives of 4.0.

Productivity Growth

The primary goal of this project is to reduce costs and increase productivity through the support of R&D studies. In this way, it is expected that both the producer will be relieved and the diversity in exports will increase.

Scale Management

The second main goal is good planning of scaling management. Ensuring to manage the area or animals at the smallest scale will improve the economy and functionality in terms of agriculture.

Production by Market

Finally, production suitable for the market is one of the main objectives of this project. Establishing a good supply-demand balance will ensure that the production is of high quality and the results are more beneficial. Responding to the demands of the market by producing according to expectations will bring the advantages of this project.

Consequently, E-Agriculture will create a fairer and more sustainable, environmentally sensitive agriculture system. With this system that supports economic developments, everyone from the producer to the consumer will see the advantages of the digital age in agriculture.