Textile machinery exhibition records strong trade activity, global participation, and significant machinery sales despite economic uncertainties.
ITM 2026, one of the textile technology industry’s leading global exhibitions, concluded on a strong note, attracting 48,257 professional visitors from 105 countries and generating substantial business activity despite ongoing global economic challenges and investment caution across several markets.
Held from 9-13 June 2026 at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center in Istanbul, the exhibition was organized by Tüyap Tüm Fuarcılık Yapım Inc. and Teknik Fairs Inc. in cooperation with the Textile Machinery and Accessories Industrialists Association (TEMSAD). The event ran alongside HIGHTEX 2026 International Technical Textiles and Nonwovens Exhibition across 110,000 square meters and 11 halls.
More than 1,000 companies and company representatives from 59 countries participated in the exhibition, showcasing technologies spanning spinning, weaving, knitting, finishing, garment manufacturing, denim production, digital printing, technical textiles, and nonwovens.
Strong International Participation
ITM 2026 welcomed visitors from regions including Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. Organizers highlighted Istanbul’s strategic location, ease of access, and absence of visa barriers as key factors supporting international attendance.
The exhibition drew visitors from a wide range of countries, including India, China, Germany, Italy, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Russia, the United States, Brazil, South Africa, Vietnam, Indonesia, and many others. Delegations also arrived from smaller markets such as Rwanda, Tuvalu, Comoros, San Marino, and Eswatini.
Decision-Makers Drive Business Activity
According to organizers, a significant share of attendees comprised factory owners, senior executives, investors, and key decision-makers involved in purchasing and investment planning.
Participating companies reported productive discussions with businesses evaluating new investments, with many meetings progressing toward commercial agreements and future projects. Several exhibitors noted that the quality of visitors surpassed previous editions, contributing to a highly productive business environment.
Machinery Sales and Investment Discussions
The exhibition served as a platform for machinery purchases and investment negotiations. Purchasing delegations from countries including Syria, Egypt, India, and Russia visited the event and engaged with technology suppliers.
Exhibitors reported strong interest in solutions across the textile value chain, with machinery sales and business agreements worth billions of euros discussed during the five-day event.
Sustainability and Automation in Focus
Technologies related to sustainability, energy efficiency, automation, digitalization, and artificial intelligence-driven manufacturing attracted significant attention throughout the exhibition.
Visitors explored machinery and production systems designed to improve efficiency, lower operating costs, and support sustainable manufacturing practices. Live demonstrations and technology launches by leading manufacturers provided insights into emerging trends shaping the future of textile production.
Early Demand for ITM 2028
The success of ITM 2026 has already generated strong interest in the next edition. Organizers reported that many exhibitors submitted space requests and pre-reservations for ITM 2028, scheduled to take place from 13-17 June 2028, while the 2026 event was still underway.
The exhibition’s strong attendance, international reach, and commercial outcomes reinforced its position as a major platform for textile machinery manufacturers, technology suppliers, and investors seeking new business opportunities in the global textile sector.
