The 9th edition of Istanbul Fashion Connection (IFCO), which concluded on February 7, 2026, has firmly established Turkey as the primary ‘nearshoring’ alternative for European and Middle Eastern retailers. Hosting 450 exhibitors and nearly 30,000 professional visitors from 134 countries, the event highlighted a critical industry transition: the move toward proximity-based, high-velocity sourcing. As global trade faces renewed tariff uncertainties and logistical disruptions, Turkey is leveraging its position as the EU’s third-largest apparel supplier. Mustafa Paşahan, Vice Chairman, İHKİB, notes, the industry is entering a ‘new upward momentum,’ with a focus on high-value, design-driven production to counter rising operational costs.
Digital transformation and circularity mandates
A significant development at this year’s fair was the integration of ‘Agentic Commerce’ and Digital Product Passport (DPP) readiness. With the EU’s 2027 traceability mandates approaching, Turkish manufacturers showcased advanced digital infrastructures, including AI-generated modeling and RFID-integrated inventory systems. Data indicates, 49 per cent of European consumers now prioritize verifiable product origins, providing a competitive edge to Turkish firms that adopt transparent supply chains. The fair also debuted the ‘E2B Area,’ specifically designed to bridge the gap between traditional manufacturing and the $110 billion regional digital economy, emphasizing Turkey's dual role as both a production powerhouse and a technology-forward retail partner.
Targeted expansion in high-growth corridors
Beyond its traditional European stronghold, the Turkish apparel sector is aggressively targeting the US market, aiming to increase annual exports from $1.2 billion to $1.5 billion by 2027. This strategy capitalizes on the shifting global trade landscape, where retailers are seeking to diversify away from traditional Asian hubs. The ‘The Core Istanbul’ segment featured 22 avant-garde designers, demonstrating that the region is evolving from a mass-production center into a creative authority. While job losses and inflationary pressures remain significant hurdles, the sector’s 2026 export target of $282 billion reflects a robust recovery plan built on sustainability, speed-to-market, and high-margin specialized segments like eveningwear and technical textiles.
IFCO is Europe’s largest apparel trade fair, organized by the Istanbul Apparel Exporters' Association (İHKİB). It serves global markets across womenswear, menswear, and denim. With 2026 export targets set at $282 billion, IFCO is the central platform for Turkey’s strategic expansion into US and European luxury and sustainable retail segments.
