Türkiye, a major fashion sourcing destination for global brands and retailers, has experienced two 7+ magnitude earthquakes today (6 February). The Istanbul Apparel Exporters Association (IHKIB) is trying to determine the potential "effects" on the apparel sector. [Türkiye earthquake - how is the fashion supply chain impacted?- Just Style]
Spokespersons for IHKIB said the organisation is extremely saddened by the devastation that has mostly impacted the Gaziantep and Kahramanmaras regions, about an 11-hour drive from Istanbul, the heart of Türkiye’s manufacturing sector.
The first earthquake took place in the early hours of this morning (6 February) in Türkiye and Syria has already led to almost 1,500 dead and counting followed by a second in under a 12-hour period.
How will Türkiye’s earthquake impact the fashion supply chain
IHKIB, which represents the apparel industry in Türkiye, pointed out that in recent years many manufacturers have opened a second production place in Anatolia, but it is still difficult to say whether their production will be affected.
A spokesperson for IHKIB said: “As the garment industry is mostly located in Istanbul (about 75% of industry export is from Istanbul) we do not expect any real influence. Nevertheless, we are still trying to see the real effects of the earthquake.
