Exploring impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on Turkish textile supply chains

Authors : Volkan Sezgin

Pages : 133-140

Doi:10.18070/erciyesiibd.1490092

View : 56 | Download : 42

Publication Date : 2025-04-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Turkish textile producers faced significant challenges during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study delves into the effects of the pandemic on Turkish textile supply chains through comprehensive surveys and interviews with selected companies in the industry. We employed a mixed research methodology. Our survey focused on understanding the changes and trends in Turkey\\\'s textile supply chains, particularly in relation to the disruptions caused by the pandemic in sourcing, manufacturing, and delivery processes. We distributed online survey to 110 textile apparel and clothing firms via email, and 39 of them responded. We also conducted in-depth interviews with five of these companies participated in the survey phase, despite all responders had been invited. Our study revealed that the pandemic had a detrimental impact on Turkish textile supply chains, in general. Specifically, production activities were severely disrupted due to problems in procuring raw materials and intermediate supplies, resulting from the decreased performance of suppliers during the pandemic. Additionally, textile companies faced significant financial difficulties, with their total revenues deteriorating due to disruptions in the payment collection process and price increases. Distribution channels were also critically disrupted, and border crossings became more challenging. Interestingly, most Turkish textile companies did not switch their main suppliers because of the pandemic.
Keywords : Tedarik zinciri, tekstil, COVID-19 salgını, Turkiye