Growing geopolitical tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran are creating serious concerns for exporters in Southeastern Turkey, where regional industries are closely monitoring developments that could threaten nearly $1.5 billion in annual exports.
According to data released by the Southeastern Anatolia Exporters’ Associations (GAİB), the region exported more than $1.41 billion worth of goods to the United States and Iran in the past year, with textiles, carpets, and agricultural products among the key sectors involved.
Industry representatives warn that any escalation of the conflict could disrupt trade routes, payment systems, and logistics networks—placing significant pressure on export-oriented industries, particularly textiles and carpets, which represent a substantial share of the region’s international trade.
Textiles and Carpets Lead Regional Export Portfolio
Statistics from GAİB reveal that exports from Southeastern Turkey to the United States reached approximately $1.125 billion last year. Within this figure:
- Textile exports totaled $205.27 million
- Carpet exports reached $535.28 million
- Grains and pulses accounted for $288.64 million
- Dried fruits generated $38.39 million
- Other products totaled $57.57 million
Overall exports to the United States increased by 6.5% compared with the previous year, demonstrating the growing importance of the American market for the region’s manufacturing and textile sectors.
The United States has become a particularly important destination for machine-made carpets produced in Gaziantep, a city widely recognized as one of the global hubs for carpet manufacturing.
Read more: If the War Continues, Iran’s Machine-Made Carpet Industry Will Face a Structural Crisis
Iranian Market Shows Strong Growth
Trade with Iran also expanded significantly in the past year. Southeastern Turkey exported approximately $285.16 million worth of products to Iran, representing a remarkable 29.2% increase year-on-year.
Among the exports to Iran:
- Textile products accounted for $113.85 million
- Grains and pulses reached $52.83 million
- Carpet exports totaled $26.39 million
- Dried fruits amounted to $420,000
- Other products represented $91.66 million
The strong growth in textile exports highlights the continuing importance of Iran as a neighboring market for Turkish manufacturers despite economic and political complexities.
Exporters Closely Monitoring the Conflict
While trade flows have not yet been directly affected, exporters across Southeastern Turkey are watching the situation carefully.
Industry officials warn that a broader regional conflict could disrupt shipping routes, increase insurance and logistics costs, and complicate financial transactions with international buyers.
“We hope the conflict ends peacefully before it spreads further across the region,” representatives from the exporters’ association said. “If the war expands to other countries, it could create serious difficulties for our exports.”
They also emphasized that exports to Israel remain suspended due to existing restrictions, meaning the region’s export exposure is primarily linked to the United States and Iran.
A Sensitive Moment for the Textile Industry
For the textile and carpet industries in Southeastern Turkey, the situation comes at a delicate time. Global demand remains fragile following recent disruptions caused by the pandemic, rising energy prices, and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Gaziantep’s carpet industry—one of the largest in the world—relies heavily on stable export markets such as the United States. Any instability that affects logistics or international trade flows could therefore have immediate consequences for producers and exporters.
At the same time, textile manufacturers across the region continue to diversify markets and strengthen supply chains in order to reduce vulnerability to geopolitical shocks.
A Critical Question for the Industry
The global textile industry has already weathered several crises in recent years—from pandemic disruptions to the war in Ukraine.
But the latest tensions in the Middle East raise a new question for manufacturers and exporters worldwide:
Can the textile industry withstand another geopolitical shock if regional conflicts expand further?
For exporters in Southeastern Turkey—and many others across the global textile supply chain—the coming months may provide the answer.
