A de facto Saudi ban on Turkish goods has hit global fashion brands in the latest sign of the escalating rivalry between the regional powers. However, Mango, which has almost 50 stores in Saudi Arabia, has played down the impact of the restrictions. According to the brand, this does not represent a big problem as the production is diversified and flexible, and it is confident of continuing with business under normal circumstances in Saudi Arabia.

Sweden’s H&M opined it was too early to comment on the most recently communicated trade restrictions and its significance for our business. Britain’s Marks and Spencer and Spain’s Inditex, which also source some of their products from Turkey and have stores in Saudi Arabia, declined to comment.

Boohoo, a UK-based online retailer that seeks to expand in the Middle East, is working to establish whether its Turkish-made garments would be affected, Saudi Arabia recently banned all imports for made in Turkey products. Turkish products have faced long delays at Saudi customs over the past month. The problems have been viewed by businesses as an attempt by Riyadh and its close ally the United Arab Emirates to punish Ankara for what they deem to be its destabilizing interventions in the Arab world.