Christopher Griffin, Chairman of Magic Show – Las Vegas, the largest fashion and apparel trade fair of U.S.A, and Bob Berg, International Sales Manager, came to Istanbul at the invitation of İHKİB (Istanbul Textile and Apparel Exporters Association) and they said they saw Turkey as an alternative to China while they were discussing opportunities in the US market. In the meeting where over 100 senior representatives of companies participated, Christopher Griffin, Chairman of Magic Show, explained the secrets of competitive advantage against Chinese companies in the US market while he was giving tips about U.S. market. Stating that Turkish garments, leather garments and footwear industries have a great chance in the United States, Christopher Griffin said that they have influenced by the intensity of the participation and they were satisfied.
Turkey Can Be an Alternative for China
Saying that Turkey's export volume to U.S.A. was 384 million dollars in 2013, Griffin stated: "Turkey did not sufficiently benefit from the American market. That is why we say that is the exact time. American buyers, who are looking for an alternative to China, want to see Turkish companies.” Pointing out to the fact that this fair should not be considered as limited only with the U.S. market, Griffin: "The purchasers and visitors attend the organisation from many countries. Here, European top brands can shake hands with Japanese or Canadian. Here, European top brands can shake hands with Japanese or Canadian.”
Providing information relating to the purchase profile of consumers in the U.S. market, Bob Berg, Magic Show International Sales Manager, drew attention that it is the correct time for Turkey in order to export to U.S.A which has left behind the economic crisis. Saying that they are looking for an alternative to the China, Berg stated that a number of regional developments, development of local markets and rising costs caused a decline for China.
Turkish Textile Manufacturers in U.S.A.
Özkan Karaca, who is İHKİB EU, US, Far East Countries and Foreign Relations Committee Chairman, said that they have started to prepare for participating to US important fairs and for organizing trade missions to New York, Toronto, Los Angeles and Charlotte. Stating that Turkey is the world's sixth and the Europe's second largest apparel exporter, Özkan Karaca said that Turkey is the world's third in knitting group and the second in the fields of denim and socks.
Özkan Karaca stated that US export volume has decreased following the elimination of quotas and the depreciation of the dollar until the end of the year 2007, but Turkey's chance has increased with the appreciation of the dollar in recent months. "Our Ministry of Economy chose US as one of the 'Target Market Countries', increased its supports up to 70 % and gave 3 flight tickets for 3 people of each company. This approach encouraged us.” Said Mr Karaca and he continued his speech as follow: “We invited the most important officials of Magic Show Fair in Istanbul in order to obtain information related to the US market.”
We Must Increase Our Export Volume with US
Emphasizing that the threat of stagnation for the EU's most powerful economies has been discussed in recent days, Özkan Karaca said that we should increase our export volume to US market, which is the world's largest market, in such a situation. Karaca: "We supply some of our raw materials in US dollars. This situation reduces our rate of profit when we export to EU countries. Our competitors make sells in US dollar; it means that the price difference between us reduces depending on the parity rising 15 percent in favour of the dollar. We invite all apparel firms to work in the United States during this period. I appeal to our authorities, including our Ministry of Economy, President and Prime Minister: If the U.S. and EU make free trade agreement, we should participate and we have to begin the necessary initiatives in advance.”
