Turkey and EU Discuss Customs Union for Trade Enhancement

The current framework is more restrictive than facilitative for mutual trade relations, Gültepe said during a conference titled “The Transformation Journey of the Turkish Ready-to-Wear Industry”

Organized by the Istanbul Ready-to-Wear and Apparel Exporters’ Association (İHKİB), the meeting witnessed representations from exporters, foreign brands, sector professionals, and experts.

Gültepe, who is the chairman of İHKİB, emphasized that Europe is still a “strategic market” for Türkiye’s apparel industry. He said: “We export approximately 70% of our apparel products to Europe. We hold a strong position in many European markets, particularly in Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands.”

Gültepe also mentioned that being a nearshore supplier will not suffice in the medium and long term.

Highlighting the role of the EU market, Gültepe detailed ongoing efforts to align Türkiye’s production ecosystem with European sustainability goals for Customs Union modernization. The industry is acting towards digitalisation and sustainability and has strategically invested EU funds to enable this process. Until now, projects that have been undertaken or are underway have been supported by a sum of €37m from the EU grants.

“In this context, we also believe that the Customs Union must be updated in line with transforming economic paradigms. Furthermore, we consider it essential—and strongly recommend—that Türkiye should be included in the free trade agreements (FTAs) the EU signs with third countries, in order to establish diagonal cumulation,” Gültepe stated.

During the meeting, European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX) president Mario Jorge Machado also urged the immediate launch of the Customs Union modernisation process to “unlock” the capability of cooperation in the sector between the EU and Turkey.

“In this uncertain environment, the EU and Turkey can offer the world a different model based on strategic resilience, sustainable innovation, and shared prosperity,” Machado said.

American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) president Steve Lamar said: “As we all seek predictability amid uncertainties in the coming months and years, I believe Turkey will successfully leverage these strengths. Brands and retailers want fewer but more reliable partners with similar values, and with the right approach, there is every reason to believe that the Turkish industry will be part of this transformation journey.”