Guven Karaca, President of Istanbul Leather and Leather Products Exporters’ Association, stated that more than$ 1 billion were exported in the shoe industry in 10 months and they could not keep up with the demand.
Karaca, who participated in Eksposhoes Shoes Fashion Saddlery Fair opened in Antalya, said that the shoe industry had the biggest share in leather and leather products exports.
Expressing that Eksposhoes Shoe Fashion Saddlery Fair also made a significant contribution to the sector, Karaca stated that they brought together buyers abroad with manufacturers in Turkiye, and that an export-oriented organization was held.
Stating that more than 800 buyers from 45 countries participated in the fair, Karaca emphasized that the industry has established serious connections for overseas sales here.
Stating that the shoe industry closed the last year with around $1 billion in exports and sold 350 million pairs of shoes abroad, Karaca said, “As of October, we have reached very good numbers. We are now over $1 billion and we have 2 more months. We will probably close the year with $1 billion 200 million and 400 million pairs. The shoe industry is breaking a historical record.”
Karaca stated that they set a 20% increase target for 2023 and 2024.
“We Can’t Keep Up With The Demand”
Karaca, who stated that there was a decrease in exports in some sectors due to global changes and developments in the nearby geography, said that the footwear industry increased its export figures every year and that it was not affected by the negative developments in the world.
Emphasizing that there is a very serious demand for shoes produced by manufacturers in Turkiye, Karaca said, “We sell shoes to 173 countries. Germany ranks first, Iraq second, Russia third. Spain follows Russia, but we can say that our main market is the European Union.”
Stating that there were also surprise markets this year, Karaca noted that exports to Greece, the USA and African countries increased unexpectedly.
Explaining that they often come together with the manufacturers and listen to their problems, Karaca said, “The biggest problem is the production shortage, we can’t keep up with the demands. The Turkish shoemaker cannot produce its production because it faces a very serious demand.”
“Quality production is carried out in Turkiye”
Eksposhoes Fuarcilik Chairman of the Board Erkan Demir said that the Turkish footwear industry has increased its exports both with its production capacity and its experience in world markets.
Stating that the manufacturers in Turkiye produce quality products, Demir said, “Our fair, which is entirely aimed at the shoe industry and foreign buyers, also makes a significant contribution to the exports of the industry.”
Source: Trthaber / Translated by Irem Yildiz