Record Increase in Glassware and Houseware Exports

November discounts and year-end shopping have driven gift-item exports up by 200 percent in the tableware sector, which sees increased activity during special periods like the new year. Mesut Öksüz, Chairman of the Tableware Association (ZÜCDER), noted that the initial six-month contraction in exports turned positive in July, and the sector is targeting year-end exports of USD 6.5 billion.

Turkey's tableware sector, a leading export sector with a trade surplus, is preparing to close the year with USD 6.5 billion in exports. The sector, achieving significant success with a USD 4.5 billion trade surplus, generates direct employment for over 200,000 people while exporting to nearly 200 countries, maintaining dynamic export flows. Noting that they organize fairs, summits and B2B events throughout the year to boost exports, ZÜCDER Chairman Mesut Öksüz stated, "Turkey's total table and kitchenware exports in the first six months of the year amounted to USD 2.82 billion, representing a 4.6 percent decrease compared to the same period of the previous year. However, starting in July, we reversed the trend, and we are now achieving 15-20 percent month-on-month growth in exports. Our target is to close this year with USD 6.5 billion in exports. As ZÜCDER, we continue our efforts to increase exports without pause. Through our ZUCHEX fair, the world's largest international event in this sector, our annual summits where we bring together buyers from 50-70 countries and producers in Antalya, and our trade delegation organizations in at least 3 countries each year, we continue to guide our members through this process." He added that they are preparing for the "14th International Home and Kitchenware Producer-Brand Summit" to be held at Antalya Titanic Mardan Palace from 4-7 December. At the second summit of the year, more than 150 domestic and foreign buyers from 50 countries worldwide, including Germany, Italy, Poland, the Balkans and other European countries as well as Middle Eastern nations such as Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, are expected to conduct 5,000 business meetings, with an anticipated business volume of USD 1 billion.

Year-end shopping boosts exports

Following the pandemic, the tableware sector, which maintains competitive characteristics against China's rapid recovery, has preserved its market share through organized events. While significant export increases were seen to previously targeted markets such as Russia and Saudi Arabia last year, the sector gained ground amid stagnation in the European market. Highlighting how discount periods and special occasions translate activity into exports, Mesut Öksüz stated, "November discounts and the year-end period are particularly critical times for the tableware sector. Consumer spending increases during these periods. People begin to prefer tableware products such as kitchenware or decorative items more frequently. As you know, the year-end season is significant in the US and Europe. For this reason, our gift-item exports are increasing. The rise of online shopping plays an important role during this period. Consumers prefer to shop through online platforms while tracking discount opportunities. This situation increases brand visibility and allows them to reach wider audiences. We can say that there has been a 20 percent increase in electric small appliances and over 200 percent growth in decorative gift-item exports. Similar product categories are also seeing activity in the domestic market," he said.