Exports from Turkey's textile hub falls 21 percent in January

Textile exports from the northwestern province of Bursa were down 21 percent in January 2009 over the same month of 2008, according to figures of Uludag Exporters' Association. Bursa's ready-to-wear exports were also down 32 percent in January 2009.

The province earned about 108 million dollars from its textile and ready-to-wear exports in the same month. Bursa had earned 91.6 million dollars from its textile exports in January 2008, and this figure dropped 21 percent to 72.3 billion dollars.

Also, Bursa's ready-to-wear exports were down 32 percent from 52.1 million dollars to 35 million dollars from January 2008 to January 2009.

The northwestern province had exported textile products to seven free zones and 83 countries and autonomous regions, and ready-to-wear products to two free zones and 74 countries and autonomous regions in January 2009.

Germany topped the countries Bursa exported its products, whereas Saudi Arabia, Iran and Egypt became the shining stars of this industry with a rise in exports.