Preferring boutique producers to big scale product supplies from the Far East especially after the financial crisis, European countries have become a hope for Turkish stationery sector, as well. Making good use of the recession of China, the biggest producer in stationery sector, in international markets due to its problems of taxation and quality, Turkish stationery sector succeeds in drawing the attention of European suppliers.
Making a change of scene in the domestic retail market, the sector concentrates on big outlets instead of boutique stores located near schools. With a domestic turnover rate of 4 billion Dollars, the stationery sector ranks as the 11th in world exports.
In the sector where almost 350 suppliers-producers and 25 thousand retailers operate, a substantial rise is recorded in European orders following the crisis. Raising their hopes for 2011 after the increased rate of orders in 2010, sector representatives foresee a fast rise in the sector throughout the year.
It is expressed that the sector, which has important advantages in logistic terms, has reached a significant point in domestic consumption, too, with the decline in prices. Ahmet Akar, the owner of Akar Stationeries, stressed that Turkey has the most advantageous position in the region in terms of quality, hardware and, above all, logistics and emphasized that a serious leap must be made in exports.
Africa: a big potential
Saying that Turkish companies tend to export to the Balkans, Europe and Russia, IKMIB Chairman Murat Akyuz stated that Africa, as a target market at this point, has a great potential.
4 billion Dollar business volume
It is estimated that the stationery sector has a size of around 3.5-4 billion Dollars, with nearly 350 suppliers, producers and wholesalers and 25 thousand retailers. It is expressed that the financial crisis in especially the US and Europe enabled the sector pass 2010 productively and, with the increase in orders this year, the sector could experience a boom.
Translated from the original text in Turkish by Sayime Basci as published in Dünya Gazetesi on June 18th, 2011.
