Turkish Apparel and Textile Industries in the Global Commodity Chain

Global commodity chain analysis provides a better understanding of a new division of labor in global economic activities and governance structures of existing commodity chains. In this study, Turkish apparel and textile industries which exemplify best labor intensive industries are analyzed within this context. The power and authority relations in these industries reflect buyer-driven commodity chains in which real rent derives from marketing, design and retailing activities. The role of Turkey in global and apparel commodity chain is rather Original Equipment Manufacturer basis. In this analysis, the possibility of a way to upgrade into higher level OBM is examined, and also international challenges like abolition of quotas, against upgrading process of these industries are analyzed in Turkey. The company Mavi Jeans as jeans manufacturer which has succeeded in moving into original branded manufacturer is chosen as a case study.