Readymade clothing and apparel exports from Turkey to China in February 2020 soared by 500 per cent. The increase was mainly because of the high demand for disposable masks due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Companies producing masks in Turkey do not export directly. Some companies buy products from them and sell them to China. Ready-to-wear clothing and apparel exports across Turkey surged by ten per cent in the January to February period compared to the same period last year.

Sen Tekstil, based in Turkey, has started making antibacterial suits to be shipped to China. This factory which is normally into women’s clothing has increased production capacity in the light of the outbreak and hired more workers after receiving a staggering amount of orders from China. It is producing around 5,000 units a day which are being sent to China on cargo planes. The protective antibacterial suits, which are completely airtight and disposable, are essential for medical personnel treating COVID-19 patients. The depreciation in the Turkish currency against other currencies has made the country’s exporters more competitive. Turkey has the advantage of being able to deal with sharper deadlines compared with the Far East.

The fatal illness that began in China shows no sign of slowing down as more new cases continue to pop up in countries across around the world.