The 75th AYMOD International Footwear Fashion Fair, one of the most important international trade events in Türkiye’s footwear industry, opened its doors on October 7, 2026, at the Istanbul Expo Center. Bringing together more than 200 participating companies, the fair will connect Turkish footwear manufacturers with international buyers until October 10.
The opening ceremony of the fair, organized by the Footwear Industrialists Association of Türkiye (TASD), was hosted by TASD President Berke İçten. The ceremony featured speeches by Deputy Minister of Trade Özgür Volkan Ağar, Istanbul Deputy Governor Mustafa Kaya, Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO) President Erdal Bahçıvan, and Oğuz İnner, Vice Chairman of the Istanbul Leather and Leather Products Exporters' Association (İDDMİB). The event was also attended by the presidents of leading industry associations and company representatives.
Industry Challenges and Solutions Discussed at the Opening Ceremony
Speaking at the ceremony, TASD President Berke İçten highlighted the significant losses suffered by the Turkish footwear industry in recent years due to rising production costs and increasingly challenging international competition. İçten noted that footwear exports had declined from 377 million pairs in 2022 to 187 million pairs in 2025, while employment in the sector had fallen from 350,000 to 200,000. He emphasized the need for additional support to strengthen production and restore the industry's export competitiveness.
Deputy Minister of Trade Özgür Volkan Ağar described AYMOD as an important platform showcasing the Turkish footwear industry's manufacturing, design, and commercial capabilities in international markets. Emphasizing the Ministry's support for trade fair participation and international buyer delegation programs, Ağar stated that branding, digitalization, and high-value-added production would help strengthen the industry's position in global markets.
Istanbul Deputy Governor Mustafa Kaya emphasized the importance of industrial production to the national economy. Describing manufacturing as one of the fundamental pillars of a strong economy, Kaya underlined the need for continued government support for the industrial sector.
Istanbul Chamber of Industry President Erdal Bahçıvan highlighted the footwear industry's long-established manufacturing expertise and the dedication of its industrialists. He stated that the challenges facing the sector could be overcome through solidarity and collective action, encouraging manufacturers to maintain their motivation and optimism.
Oğuz İnner, Vice Chairman of İDDMİB, also drew attention to declining exports and employment in the footwear and leather industries. Emphasizing the importance of enabling Turkish manufacturers to compete with international rivals on equal terms, İnner noted that although the average export unit price of footwear had increased from $4.30 to $5.80 per pair, the decline in export volumes had prevented this improvement from translating into sufficient gains in production capacity.
More Than 500 Buyers from 50 Countries
Following the opening speeches, protocol members officially inaugurated the fair with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The delegation then toured the exhibition halls, visiting participating companies and examining their latest seasonal collections.
Covering approximately 26,000 square meters, the 75th AYMOD Fair hosts more than 200 exhibitors, including 35 international companies. Participants from countries such as Spain, China, Uzbekistan, Greece, and Portugal are taking part in the event, which is expected to attract approximately 15,000 industry professionals, including 5,000 international visitors.
As part of the B2B business meetings organized with the support of the Turkish Ministry of Trade, 18 international companies from the United States, Canada, Chile, Mexico, South Korea, Spain, and South Africa will meet with Turkish footwear manufacturers.
In addition, the VIP Buyer Delegation Program will welcome more than 500 qualified international buyers from 50 countries.
New Season Collections Meet International Buyers
Showcasing a wide range of products, from women's, men's, and children's footwear to sports and classic shoe models, handbags, and leather goods, AYMOD provides Turkish footwear manufacturers with opportunities to enter new markets and strengthen their international business relationships.
The 75th AYMOD International Footwear Fashion Fair will remain open to visitors until Saturday, October 10, at Halls 5, 6, and 7 of the Istanbul Expo Center.