Textile
Türkiye, has increased its importance of mask supply
Türkiye, being among the top three textile and apparel supplier of the European Union, renewed confidence in pandemic to meet the needs of many countries with by increasing mask production process and exports of non-woven fabric. AFTER the coronavirus incidents that began to appear in the city of Wuhan, China, in December 2019, mask supply was on the global agenda. Disposable surgical masks used to prevent transmission of the disease have become an important need in the industry. Türkiye, being among the the most important suppliers of global textile and apparel sector, has shown a quick reflex on pandemic period by directing the manufacture capacity to health related clothing and face masks and supplied the world. Türkiye has increased its production capacity of 150 milion surgical and dust masks annually until 2020, due to meet the large demand from China. As Covid-19, which is declared as an epidemic and is spreading rapidly in Europe and USA, cases begun in Türkiye a number of regulations concerning mask production and its exports implemented. Türkiye's government took some measures to prevent the sale and export of substandart products at high prices. The export of the Melt Blown (nonwoven) fabric used in the production of masks was registered on March 18 and the sale / export of the mask was banned. Türkiye’s government has decided to prioritise the health employees fighting the pandemic on masks and protective materials. In this context, Türkiye provided 48
JULY 2020 ISSUE 81
mask and protective clothing support to various countries, especially the USA. Türkiye Exporters Assembly (TİM) has supported the government with a campaing they have launched under the leadership of industry associations. TİM Chairman İsmail Gülle announced that 1 million masks produced in the first step were donated to the Ministry of Health and announced that their support will continue by increasing the production capacity. In the first stage, with the participation of 100 companies in the campaign, 1 million masks were produced per day. With new companies, the capacity has increased to 40 million monthly in a short time. MASKS AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING EXPORTS HAVE SKYROCKETED Mustafa Gültepe, Chairman of İstanbul Apparel Exporters’ Association (IHKIB) said that there is a very intense demand for mask globally, especially European countries and added: "We see Türkiye's masks and protective clothing exports have skyrocketed. Mask and protective clothing exports increased by 585 percent between January 1 and May 12. Number of firms exporting disposable masks in Türkiye has reached 97 381. the number
