Turkish shoe exports recorded an increase of 22.2 percent during the first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year and amounted to 328 million dollars.
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The footwear sector recorded the highest number of exports in the first quarter in its history.
The sector continued to increase its exports during last March, contrary to expectations that it would decline with the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian war.
Russia ranked first among the countries importing Turkish shoes in the first quarter with $25.8 million.
Exports to Russia did not witness a significant decline in March, as the decline did not exceed 0.3 percent.
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Germany came second with $25.7 million, Spain with $17.9 million, Italy with $16.8 million, and Libya fourth with $16.4 million.
Footwear exports to Libya in the first quarter witnessed the largest increase in the sector’s exports by 122.9 percent.
In a statement to Anadolu Agency, Barca Ecten, head of the Turkish Shoe Manufacturers Association, said that the Russian-Ukrainian war led to an increase in the demand for Turkish shoes.
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He explained that some countries that imposed a trade embargo on Russia quickly turned their heads towards Turkey.
He stressed that the sector is sticking to its goal of achieving exports worth $1.3 billion this year.
