Egypt vs Turkey: where should you make your clothes?
Both are close to Europe and both can make good cotton garments. Turkey wins on speed, fashion finishing and a huge supplier base. Egypt wins on cost, its own cotton chain, and duty-free entry to the United States through the QIZ protocol — which Turkey does not have. For US-bound cotton basics, Egypt usually lands cheaper.
| Egypt | Turkey | |
|---|---|---|
| Duty into the EU | 0% with EUR.1, if origin rules are met | 0% under the EU–Turkey customs union |
| Duty into the US | 0% from QIZ-registered factories | Normal US duty applies |
| Own cotton | Yes — Egyptian cotton | Yes — Aegean cotton |
| Labour cost | Typically lower | Typically higher |
| Fashion speed | Good | Very strong |
| Best at | Denim, jersey, cotton basics | Fashion, denim, knitwear, fast replenishment |
Choose Turkey if
You sell mainly in Europe, you need very fast replenishment, and your range is fashion-led with complex finishing. Turkey has one of the deepest garment supplier bases in the world and it shows in speed.
Choose Egypt if
You sell in the US, your range is cotton-led — denim, tees, sweats, chinos — and landed cost matters. QIZ gives duty-free entry to the US from registered factories, and Egypt's own cotton chain makes forced-labour documentation simpler.
The question to ask either supplier
Ask for the landed cost into your market, not the FOB price. Include the duty rate for your exact HS code, with the date it was checked. That single number usually decides it.
Questions
Is Egypt cheaper than Turkey?
For cotton basics, usually yes on labour. The bigger difference for US buyers is duty: QIZ can remove it entirely, which Turkey cannot offer.
Which is faster to Europe?
Both are close. Turkey generally has the edge on replenishment speed because of its supplier density.
Can I use both?
Many brands do — Turkey for fashion-led European ranges, Egypt for US-bound cotton basics.
Products in this guide
