U.S. Companies Eye Türkiye for Promotion Sector Opportunities
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, major U.S. promotional companies are looking to diversify their markets beyond China, with Türkiye emerging as a potential new source, according to a representative from the sector.
Ömer Karatemiz, the president of the Promotion and Printing Industrialists Businessmen Association (PROMASIAD), highlighted that the Turkish promotion sector serves as a supply hub for Europe, with a significant portion of its exports directed towards European nations. He mentioned that the U.S. market often perceives Turkish products with skepticism due to the larger economies of scale enjoyed by Chinese exports and the geographical distance involved.
Karatemiz emphasized that participation in the ASI Show Chicago last week has opened up new avenues for Turkish businesses. “We had various contacts with leading representatives of the promotion industry in the U.S.,” he stated. “During our discussions, it became clear that our counterparts were enthusiastic about importing from Türkiye. While there were no participants from Europe or the Far East at the fair, we were present to showcase our country. This is crucial for demonstrating the potential of the Turkish promotional sector.”
He further noted that nearly 60 percent of Turkish promotional exports go to EU countries, while the U.S. market is at least seven times larger than that of the EU. “The U.S. no longer wants to purchase promotional products from China,” he remarked. “If we can establish the right logistics and local services, secure appropriate investments, and develop a suitable product concept, I am confident that we can significantly increase our share in the U.S. market.”
