Portugal is an EU member, so clothing made there moves to other EU countries with no customs at all, and it is especially strong in jersey, knitwear and premium small runs. Turkey is usually more competitive on price, covers a broader range of categories such as dresses, eveningwear, tailoring, modest wear, denim and knitwear, and ships to the EU without customs duty under the customs union with an A.TR certificate. Many brands decide by category, budget and where their customers are.
Key points
- Portugal is inside the EU, so selling within the EU involves no customs steps at all.
- Portugal is known for jersey, knitwear and premium small runs.
- Turkey is usually more competitive on price than Portugal at a similar quality level.
- Turkey covers a broader range: dresses, eveningwear, tailoring, modest wear, denim and knitwear.
- Turkey is also close to the Middle East and Central Asia, not only to Europe.
The short version
Both countries are close to European buyers and both have long experience making clothes for European brands, so this is a choice between two good options. Portugal's clothing industry is concentrated in the north of the country and is known for knit and jersey, premium basics and careful work on small runs. Turkey has a larger and more varied clothing industry, with Istanbul as its main fashion and fabric hub.
Neither is better for every brand. The right choice depends on your category, your budget, where your customers are and how much customs paperwork you are willing to handle.
Cost
Labour costs in Portugal are generally higher than in Turkey, and that shows in the price per piece. For premium jersey and knit lines with a high retail price, the difference may matter less than the convenience of producing inside the EU.
For collections with many styles, more complex garments or tighter margins, Turkey is often the more competitive option. Compare the full cost of each route: price per piece, sampling, freight, customs handling and the time your team spends following production.
Categories and strengths
Portugal is especially strong in jersey and knitwear: t-shirts, sweatshirts, knit tops and premium basics. Many brands go there for small, high quality runs in these categories.
Turkey covers a broader range: dresses, eveningwear, tailoring, modest wear, denim, knitwear and jersey. Istanbul's fabric markets make it quick to source and change fabrics, which helps brands with varied or fast changing collections.
Duties and paperwork
Portugal is in the EU, so garments made there move to other EU countries with no customs declaration and no duty. For a brand that sells only inside the EU, that is the simplest possible setup.
Turkey is in a customs union with the EU for industrial goods, which includes clothing. Garments shipped with an A.TR movement certificate generally enter the EU without customs duty, but there is still a customs declaration and import VAT is declared on arrival, usually handled by your forwarder or customs broker. Confirm the details for your products with your customs broker before ordering.
Shipping and markets
Both countries reach most of Europe by road. Portugal is closest to Spain, France and western Europe, while Turkey is closest to south eastern Europe and the Balkans.
If you also sell in the Middle East or Central Asia, Turkey has a clear advantage. It sits between those markets and Europe, works in hours that overlap with both, and many teams there work in several languages.
Which suits your brand
Use these questions to decide.
- Premium jersey, knitwear and basics in small runs, sold only in the EU: Portugal is often the stronger option
- Dresses, eveningwear, tailoring, modest wear or denim: Turkey is often the stronger option
- Tight margins or a wide range of styles: Turkey is usually more competitive
- Want no customs steps at all for EU sales: Portugal
- Selling in Europe and also in the Middle East or Central Asia: Turkey
- Some brands use both: Portugal for premium knit basics, Turkey for the rest of the collection