AYSAF 2026 Opens in Istanbul with 147 Companies, Focus on Industry Competitiveness
Industry leaders highlighted mounting cost pressures, export challenges and the need for innovation, stronger collaboration and higher value manufacturing to sustain Turkiye's position in global footwear markets.
LW Desk
The 75th International Footwear Suppliers Fair (AYSAF) opened in Istanbul on November 11, bringing together 147 companies from 10 countries amid growing economic pressures on the footwear manufacturing supply chain. The three day event is placing emphasis on industry cooperation, value-added production, digitalization and sustainability as manufacturers seek to strengthen their competitiveness in global markets.
Organized by the Footwear Sub Industry Association (AYSAD), AYSAF is recognized as one of Eurasia's key meeting platforms for footwear materials and components. The opening ceremony at the Istanbul Expo Center brought together leading industry representatives, including Sekip Avdagic, Chairman of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce; Mehmet Buyukeksi, former Chairman of the Turkish Exporters Assembly and founding Chairman of TASEV; Guven Karaca, President of the Istanbul Leather and Leather Products Exporters Association; and Halil Gundogdu, President of the Aegean Leather and Leather Products Exporters Association, alongside AYSAD Chairman Sait Salici and other industry stakeholders.
The exhibition showcases developments in sole systems, leather, synthetic leather, textiles, accessories, chemicals, moulds and production technologies. It provides manufacturers and suppliers with opportunities to present their products, establish commercial connections and explore new business prospects.
Industry Calls for a New Competitiveness Model
Addressing the opening ceremony, AYSAD Chairman Sait Salici highlighted the difficult business environment, particularly tightening financing conditions and rising pressure on industrial production. He noted that many manufacturers were increasingly focused on protecting existing production and employment rather than pursuing expansion.
Salici said the industry's traditional competitiveness model based on low cost products were no longer sufficient. He called for a stronger focus on design, technology, digitalization, sustainability and value added manufacturing. He also thanked the 147 participating companies for supporting the exhibition despite challenging market conditions.
Mehmet Buyukeksi described the 75th edition as a significant milestone, recalling that the fair began 35 years ago with just 10 to 15 companies at Istanbul's Marmara Etap Hotel. He said its development reflected the importance of unity and cooperation across the footwear industry.
Guven Karaca highlighted the cost pressures confronting exporters and manufacturers, particularly the growing gap between exchange rates and inflation. He noted that leather and related industry exports exceeded US$1.25 billion in the first 10 months. He also identified lightweight soles and technical textiles as potential areas of opportunity in the changing European Union market.
İTO Chairman Sekip Avdagic urged businesses to adapt to changing economic conditions rather than wait for uncertainty to disappear. He called for stronger action against counterfeit products, protection of consumer rights, more consistent VAT rates and improved cross-border e-commerce infrastructure. He also stressed the importance of preserving established industry exhibitions such as AYSAF.
The exhibition runs until November 13, offering a platform for industry stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and explore opportunities in an increasingly competitive global footwear market.
