An honest comparison for US brands deciding where to make their sweaters and knitwear. Where Turkey wins — lead time, no Section 301, IP, communication — and where China still makes sense.
For most brands, China is the default — and for very large commodity runs it still competes on price. But for the mid-sized, design-led knitwear programmes we make, Turkey usually wins on the numbers that matter: faster delivery, no Section 301 tariff, stronger IP protection and the same Japanese/German machines. Here is the honest breakdown.
| Factor | Turkey (Kiwi) | China |
|---|---|---|
| Sample lead time | 10–14 days | 2–3 weeks |
| Bulk lead time | 45–60 days | 6–8 weeks |
| Transit to US East Coast | ~12–14 days (ocean) | 28–35 days |
| Transit to EU (truck) | 5–7 days | 4–6 weeks (ocean) |
| US Section 301 tariff | None | Applies (China-specific) |
| IP / design protection | Strong (enforceable NDAs) | Moderate–weak |
| Machines | Shima Seiki + Stoll | Variable |
| Communication | English, founder-direct | Variable, agents common |
| Best for | Mid-sized, design-led runs | Very large commodity runs |
Figures are indicative and vary by style, yarn and season.
For US-bound goods, Section 301 applies to Chinese-made apparel but not to Turkey — which can erase China's price edge before lead time even counts. Standard US duties still apply by fiber/HTS code; confirm current rates with your broker.
Every size is knitted as its own fully-fashioned programme on Shima Seiki and Stoll machines — not cut from shared fabric — so the fit is true and the garment holds its shape wash after wash.
We run the same Shima Seiki (Japan) and Stoll (Germany) flat-knit machines as top workshops — with tighter, more consistent QC and a founder you talk to directly.
Enforceable NDAs and lower copy-risk protect your designs — a real concern brands raise about some Chinese sourcing.
We will tell you straight: for very large single-SKU commodity runs (well over 10,000 units of one basic style), China's scale can still win on unit cost. If that is your programme, China may be the better call. For mid-sized, design-led, compliance-sensitive knitwear with fast season turns — that's where we're built to win.
Send a tech pack or a brief. We respond within one business day with a capacity check, indicative pricing and a sample timeline — compare it directly against your China quote.
Sourcing Guides
Comparison
Updated cost, tariff and capability comparison for US brands evaluating both sources.
Read guide →Tariffs
How Section 301 tariffs affect per-unit sweater cost and what Turkish sourcing changes.
Read guide →Compliance
The documentation checklist US brands need when importing knitwear under UFLPA scrutiny.
Read guide →Comparison
Realistic alternatives to Chinese knitwear production — capability, cost and MOQ compared.
Read guide →Comparison
Two capable countries, two different strengths. Where each wins for US brands sourcing sweaters.
Read guide →