ISTANBUL — August 13, 2026
The Turkish Tableware Association (ZÜCDER) has outlined a five-point roadmap aimed at preserving the sector’s competitiveness and strengthening Türkiye’s production and export capacity.
ZÜCDER Chairman Burak Önder said the industry’s most urgent need is improved access to financing, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) facing rising working-capital requirements. He called for affordable working-capital loans backed by invoices to help manufacturers cover raw materials, labor and production costs.
Five Key Priorities
1. Easier access to financing
Önder said production-oriented financing is essential for the industry and called for affordable credit facilities to support manufacturers’ working-capital needs.
2. Technological transformation
The association is calling for greater investment in automation, digitalization and technology to improve productivity and offset the pressure created by rising labor costs. Such investments should be supported through long-term, affordable financing, Önder said.
3. Lower logistics costs
Higher port, container and domestic logistics costs are putting additional pressure on exporters. Önder stressed the need to strengthen Türkiye’s maritime transport and logistics infrastructure and reduce logistics costs to protect the sector’s competitiveness in global markets.
4. Protecting industrial production areas
ZÜCDER also called for affordable and accessible industrial land for manufacturers. Önder argued that industrial plots should not become investment vehicles unrelated to production. He also said incentives should focus on production, exports and technology investments rather than simply increasing capacity.
5. Stronger industry cooperation
The final proposal focuses on cooperation among companies. Önder called for wider use of international competitiveness projects (UR-GE), industrial clustering initiatives and joint export models.
ZÜCDER’s roadmap is ultimately aimed at preserving Türkiye’s manufacturing culture, accelerating technological transformation and strengthening the country’s position in the global tableware market.
Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök