ZÜCDER/Öksüz: Giftware Exports Surge by 200% During Discount Seasons

In November, the giftware export increased by 200% in the household goods sector, which becomes more active during special periods like year-end discounts and New Year. Mesut Öksüz, President of the Houseware Association (ZÜCDER), noted that the contraction in exports during the first six months of the year turned positive starting in July, and stated that they aim to finish the year with 6.5 billion dollars in exports.

The household goods sector, leading among Turkey's foreign trade surplus sectors, is preparing to conclude the year with 6.5 billion dollars in exports. Achieving a significant success with a 4.5 billion dollar foreign trade surplus, this sector generates direct employment for over 200,000 people and dynamically engages in exports to nearly 200 countries. Emphasizing that they organized events throughout the year like fairs, summits, and B2B meetings to boost exports, Öksüz stated, "The total of Turkey's export of tableware and kitchenware in the first six months of the year was 2.82 billion dollars, marking a decrease of 4.6% compared to the same period last year. However, with July, we turned the tide positive, and we are experiencing a monthly increase of 15-20% in exports. Our goal is to close the year with 6.5 billion dollars in exports. We continue our efforts to increase exports, which we have maintained as ZÜCDER for years, without interruption. With our support for the world's largest international ZUCHEX fair, our summits where we bring together producers and foreign buyers from about 50-70 countries in Antalya, and our trade delegation organizations held in at least three countries each year, we continue to guide our members through this process," he added, mentioning their upcoming "14th International Home and Kitchenware Manufacturers-Brand Meetings Summit" scheduled for December 4-7 at the Titanic Mardan Palace in Antalya. The second summit of the year is expected to host over 150 buyers from 50 countries worldwide, including Germany, Italy, Poland, the Balkans, and various Middle Eastern countries such as Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, with the aim of facilitating 5,000 business meetings and generating a business volume of 1 billion dollars.

New Year shopping boosts exports The household goods sector, possessing a competitive edge against China's rapid recovery post-pandemic, managed to maintain its market share through organized events. There was a significant increase in exports to target markets such as Russia and Saudi Arabia, while it also adapted to the downturn in the European market. Öksüz expressed that the vibrancy reflected in exports during discount periods and special days, saying, "November discounts and the New Year period are quite critical times for the household goods sector. During this period, consumer spending increases. People start to prefer household goods products more, such as kitchen utensils or decorative items. As you know, the holiday season is in the US and Europe. Therefore, our gift exports are also on the rise. The rise of online shopping plays a significant role in this process. Consumers prefer to shop online while following discount opportunities. This situation enhances brand visibility and allows them to reach wider audiences. We can state that there is an increase of over 20% in small electrical appliances and more than 200% in decorative gift exports. There is also a notable activity in the domestic market in the same product groups," he concluded.