Turkish industry has struggled to survive amidst economic and structural fluctuations in the last six months. Rising costs, currency exchange rate volatility, high interest rate policies, and shrinking demand have burdened manufacturers. These developments point not only to a crisis but also to an effort to find a new direction.
Tight monetary policies implemented in line with the new economic program were among the most impactful factors for industrialists. Access to finance became both more difficult and significantly more expensive. Banks' cautious stance and narrowing credit channels made even preserving existing capacity, let alone making investments, a challenging planning endeavor. As we highlighted on the cover of this issue, for many industrial organizations, finance is no longer an accessible but a selective resource. High interest rates, tightening collateral conditions, and limited credit opportunities curbed industrialists' appetite for growth. During this period, entrepreneurs prioritized managing cash flow and optimizing costs to sustain production.
Industrialists are cautious…
In foreign markets, especially the stagnation in Europe, led to a slowdown in export orders. In the domestic market, the decline in purchasing power caused an increase in inventories across many sectors. Preserving employment in labor-intensive sectors became an increasingly greater struggle.
Despite all these difficulties, a cautious realism, not despair, prevails in the industrial community. Green transformation and digitalization rose to the top of the agenda for many organizations. Projects aimed at reducing production costs in publicly supported industrial zones gained momentum. Some sectors, such as chemistry, defense, and machinery, are showing a relatively more resilient performance. The past six months once again revealed both the fragilities and the potential of Turkish industry. Resilience is now measured not only by financial indicators but also by innovation, agile adaptation, and sound strategic partnerships.
PLASFED Magazine is packed this month too
Significant steps taken during this period are also noteworthy. Our interview with Murat Kolbaşı, Chairman of the Board of Arzum, reveals the business world's vision on branding, value-added production, and opening up to international markets. The topic "Green Human Resources," which we covered with contributions from Yonca Gürol, shows that this transformation is occurring not only in technology but also in corporate culture.
The legal regulations concerning the plastics industry, analyzed by Lawyer Sırma Özberber, remind us that green transformation is not just an environmental policy but also has a serious legal framework that must be complied with. In our legal pages this month, we also examined arbitration mechanisms with Lawyer Melis Ilgaz. Alternative dispute resolution methods are becoming increasingly critical, especially in the industrial sector, to ensure the security of long-term business relationships. In our Veteran's Corner this month, we featured Ali Ateş, one of the esteemed names of Turkish industry. His experiences reveal how our industry has evolved from the past to the present, but that the intrinsic will to produce has always remained constant.
Industrialists continue to produce
Emerging from this challenging period is possible not only through support mechanisms but also through collective wisdom and solidarity. What industrialists need are predictable policies, legal security that will encourage investors, and a production-oriented development vision. In conclusion, yes, Turkish industry is going through a difficult period. However, it is also possible to view this period not just as a waiting game but as a process of restructuring and strengthening.
Making access to finance more balanced will create a long-term breathing space for manufacturers. Industry continues to produce. Despite the difficulties, it is preparing for the future without losing its direction. What is most needed today is stability, trust, and the will to work together.
This content has been translated using artificial intelligence technology.