Durak Tekstil, one of the leading global manufacturers of industrial sewing and embroidery threads, has closed 2025 with positive momentum, maintaining profitability and turnover despite a challenging global and regional market environment. Strengthening its export-driven sales strategy, the company increased both production capacity and utilization rates, setting the stage for further growth in international markets in 2026.
Amid economic uncertainty, currency pressures, and sectoral headwinds, Durak Tekstil preserved its production strength and market position throughout 2025. The company maintained its turnover on a US dollar basis compared to the previous year, while increasing capacity and raising the share of exports in total sales to approximately 60%, reinforcing its resilience against local market volatility.
Highlighting the company’s strong institutional structure and long-standing industry presence, Saadet Oran, Chair of the Board of Directors and second-generation executive of Durak Tekstil, said:
“In challenging periods, the need for reliable partners and robust supply chains increases significantly. During this process, Durak Tekstil proved to be a reliable partner for both its local and global customers. In 2025, when the Turkish textile sector faced significant difficulties, we achieved the same level of turnover in USD terms as the previous year. We managed to offset volume losses experienced with some of our sectoral customers by acquiring new customers and entering new markets.”
Export Markets Drive Growth Strategy
Addressing global trade dynamics, Oran noted that prolonged discussions on customs duties, trade tensions, and delayed policy clarity negatively impacted consumption and order balances throughout the year. She also highlighted the pressure created by the real exchange rate remaining below inflation and interest levels, affecting export competitiveness and profitability.
“Throughout the year, ongoing discussions on customs duties and delays in reaching conclusions, along with trade wars continuing at various levels, negatively affected both consumption and order balances. In addition, the real exchange rate remaining well below inflation and interest rate levels created challenges for both exports and profitability. In 2025, by relocating our production facility in China to Türkiye, we achieved a significant efficiency gain of approximately 20%, which provided us with a relative advantage in price competitiveness. As a result, we maintained the previous year’s sales momentum and preserved our profitability and turnover levels. During this period, our capacity utilization rate also reached around 80%, well above the average of the Turkish textile sector.”
Supported by the Turquality Brand Support Program, Durak Tekstil has identified strategic export markets across five continents. The company is now intensifying efforts to expand its strong European footprint into the US market, where it has already established a local entity.
“The US market has very high potential, and for this reason we have established our local company there. We are now working to gain deeper access to the market. Moreover, while China exports goods to the entire world, we are exporting to China from Türkiye. The share of exports in our sales and the number of our export markets continue to increase every year,” Oran stated.
Strategic Investments Shape the Future
During 2025, Durak Tekstil undertook decisive steps to strengthen its long-term competitiveness. The company transformed its China presence from a manufacturing unit into a procurement and marketing operation, consolidating production under a single roof in Bursa, supported by transferred technologies. Licensing procedures for a new production facility, planned on a 21-decare land parcel, have now been completed.
Innovation remains a key growth pillar. Products developed by the company’s in-house R&D team have expanded its portfolio and attracted strong market interest. Guided by its “Continuous R&D” principle, Durak Tekstil aims to develop five new products annually, reinforcing its leadership in high-value industrial and technical threads.
Optimism for 2026
Looking ahead, Oran expressed confidence that global markets will reopen in 2026, particularly in Europe and the US, supported by easing interest rates and improving consumer demand.
“We are entering a year in which export markets will reopen globally. Especially in Europe and the US, consumer markets are expected to become more dynamic with declining interest rates. Compared to 2025, we believe higher sales levels will be achieved in these markets. As Durak Tekstil, we serve more than 20 different sectors and over 70 countries. In addition to our growth expectations in high value-added technical threads, we also anticipate a recovery in the textile and apparel sectors, enabling us to reach higher volumes.”
Emphasising the company’s growing global brand recognition, Oran added that Durak Tekstil will continue strengthening local collaborations to enhance visibility, supported by its reputation for high-quality products, reliable delivery, and fast supply capabilities.