Sourcing children’s textiles from Turkey: what to expect
Why buyers in Europe, the UK and the Gulf source baby and children’s textiles from Turkey, and how working with a small-batch manufacturer differs from a mass factory.
Written by the Olyo team. Updated .
Turkey has a large, established textile industry close to Europe, the UK and the Gulf. Goods can move by road, sea or air, and the EU–Turkey customs union covers industrial products. Small-batch manufacturers like us add low starting quantities and room for custom products.
Why Turkey
Turkey is one of the larger textile and apparel producers in the region, with a supply base of fabric mills, trims and finishers. For buyers in Europe and the Gulf it is close: shipments travel by road, sea or air, with shorter distances than from East Asia.
Trade arrangements to ask your broker about
The EU and Turkey form a customs union for industrial goods: goods in free circulation in Turkey that travel with an A.TR movement certificate can enter the EU without customs duties. The UK and Turkey have a free trade agreement in force since 2021, which uses proof of origin. Your customs broker will confirm the duty position for your products.
Where we are
Our factory is in Turkey, with good road, sea and air connections to Europe, the UK and the Gulf.
Small-batch manufacturer vs. mass factory
| Small-batch manufacturer | Mass factory | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting quantity | From 5 pieces per product (our range) | Often hundreds or thousands |
| Custom products | Developed from your sketch or sample | Usually standard catalogue |
| Best for | Boutiques, new brands, testing products | Large retailers with stable demand |