AYSAD President Sait Salıcı Shares Sector Insights at Lineapelle
The 107th edition of the Lineapelle Fair, held on 11–13 February 2026 at the Fiera Milano Rho exhibition center in Milan, brought together the global leather, accessories, and fashion supply chain as one of the most important meeting points of the industry.
AYSAD President Sait Salıcı visited the fair and met with Turkish exhibitors at their stands. He later shared his evaluations about the fair and the current state of the sector through a video posted on AYSAD’s social media account.
Observations from the Fair
Commenting on the overall atmosphere at the fair, Salıcı noted that it was possible to observe not only the products and business figures but also the mood of the people in the industry. According to him, the general atmosphere in the halls felt heavy, with sellers, employees, and even buyers appearing less optimistic than in previous years.
“This Is Not Only an Economic Slowdown”
Salıcı stated that the current situation reflects not only an economic slowdown but also a sense of moral fatigue within the industry. Global consumption has slowed, orders have become smaller, and uncertainty has increased.
He added that this uncertainty is clearly visible in the attitudes of industry professionals at the fair. Importantly, he emphasized that this situation is not limited to Türkiye, noting that a similar mood can also be felt across Europe.
“This Is Not a Crisis, It Is a Transformation”
According to Salıcı, the current period should not be defined as a crisis but rather as a transformation. He stressed that the industry must read the signals of 2026 correctly.
He pointed out that the era of competing through low prices has come to an end. Competing solely with cheap products is no longer sustainable, and the industry is now moving toward a period where quality and value-added production will define success rather than sheer volume.
Financial Discipline Becomes Essential
Salıcı also highlighted that the sector cannot continue operating with uncontrolled and excessively long payment terms. Financial discipline, he noted, has become more critical than ever, and companies that fail to create added value will struggle to remain competitive.
Türkiye’s Competitive Advantages
Despite the challenging global environment, Salıcı emphasized that Türkiye still has important strengths in the footwear industry. Fast production capabilities, flexible manufacturing structures, and the resilience of Turkish industrialists—who are accustomed to navigating crises—remain key advantages.
He underlined that the Turkish footwear industry has historically learned from crises and emerged stronger each time.
“2026 Will Be a Year of Standing Up Again”
Salıcı concluded by stating that 2026 will not be a year of retreat or hiding for the sector. Instead, it should be a year of repositioning and strategic growth.
He emphasized that transformation is inevitable but achievable through collective effort, expressing confidence that the Turkish footwear industry will once again adapt and move forward stronger.
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