(Guangzhou, May 5) "This stylish dress is beautifully designed. Can you tell I'm wearing leggings underneath it? The cut is amazing, and I’ve found a great designer," shared Gabrielle Ma, an American buyer, on social media. She also mentioned plans to visit the Chinese exhibitor's brand R&D center after the Canton Fair to discuss design details further.
"The dress’s style and patterns are original, and she loves our design," said Zhang Jing, Deputy General Manager of Guangzhou Textiles Import & Export Group Co., Ltd., on May 4. Zhang emphasized that in today’s highly competitive market, textile companies must have the capability to collaborate with clients on product development.
As one of the pillars of China's traditional foreign trade, the apparel industry plays a vital role. At the 137th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) currently being held in Guangzhou, textile and apparel companies are advancing international capacity cooperation, strategically utilizing global resources, and enabling Chinese orders to be fulfilled globally.
"In recent years, our company has focused on enhancing core competitiveness, diversifying markets, internationalizing supply chains, and transitioning from 'selling products' to providing solutions," said Zhang Jing. The company has established long-term stable partnerships with hundreds of global suppliers, manufacturers, and third-party service providers. This year, more business teams are engaging with clients in countries such as Cambodia, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as attending exhibitions in Europe to further expand into global markets.
Fujian Shangfei Garment Co., Ltd. began establishing a global capacity network over a decade ago. It now operates factories in Vietnam and Ethiopia and has market research and sales offices in the UK and Chile. A company representative noted that orders have surged this year, with a 70% to 80% year-on-year increase in the first quarter. Buyer interactions at this year’s Canton Fair have also exceeded expectations.
According to the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textiles, China exported $66.286 billion worth of textiles and apparel from January to March this year, including $10.738 billion to the U.S., an 8.2% year-on-year increase.
Xiamen Jianyu Industrial Co., Ltd. focuses on lightweight textiles, selling primarily outdoor sportswear and children's clothing in the U.S. market. However, current U.S. tariff policies have introduced uncertainties. "Shipments to the U.S. are currently on hold, and future demand will depend on shelf inventory levels. We’ve built mutual trust over a decade of collaboration and are jointly exploring solutions," said Xu Wenjuan, the company’s Assistant General Manager. She added that the company is actively exploring new markets and optimizing supply chains, emphasizing that diversification strengthens resilience in the long term.
Digital tools are also enhancing efficiency in the textile and apparel sector. A representative from Yantai Zhonglian Industrial Co., Ltd. highlighted how AI design technology has boosted efficiency, enabling the company to go from creating five design concepts per week to over 300 per day. AI models have also been used to develop a digital library of traditional cultural patterns, improving customer conversion rates by 40%.
The China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textiles noted that China holds a competitive edge in the global textile and apparel supply chain and remains central in the Asian supply chain. To adapt to new market conditions, the industry must continue optimizing its international layout, advancing high-quality and sustainable development, and transitioning from being a major player in textile trade to becoming a global leader.