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In the first half of the year, garment exports increased 16% year-on-year
In the first half of this year, China's textile and apparel exports showed strong growth, with garment exports reaching $53.23 billion, up 16% compared to the same period last year. Textile yarn and fabric exports reached $35.65 billion, an impressive increase of 32.3%. These figures highlight a positive trend in China's export performance, aligning with industry forecasts for the year.
According to the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textiles, it is expected that China’s apparel exports will outperform 2009, reaching around $120 billion, a 10% increase. This optimism is driven by the recovery of global markets, especially in the U.S., EU, and Japan, as well as the growing economic strength of emerging countries like Brazil, which has become China's tenth-largest trading partner.
Despite these positive developments, the sector still faces significant challenges. Rising raw material prices are squeezing profit margins. Cotton and other key materials have seen a surge in cost, while demand from overseas markets remains uncertain. This mismatch between rising input costs and stagnant or falling end-market prices is putting pressure on manufacturers.
Trade protectionism is also on the rise. Countries are increasingly using measures such as anti-dumping, environmental standards, and technical barriers to restrict imports, particularly from China. In 2009 alone, over a dozen cases were reported involving Chinese textile products, with amounts exceeding $600 million. The U.S. and EU have also intensified their scrutiny, leading to product recalls and stricter regulations.
Another major challenge is the pressure from RMB appreciation. While the currency remained stable in 2009, supporting export competitiveness, the growing trade surplus and China’s rising global role have reignited concerns about currency valuation. For the low-margin apparel industry, even small fluctuations in exchange rates can significantly impact profitability.
Additionally, labor costs are steadily increasing. Labor shortages are no longer confined to traditional manufacturing hubs like the Pearl River Delta. Provinces such as Anhui and Jiangxi are also experiencing difficulties in attracting workers. Companies are responding by offering higher wages and better working conditions, but the underlying issue remains: the era of cheap labor is fading. Workers are no longer willing to accept low pay for high-intensity work, making recruitment more challenging for many textile firms.
These factors collectively present a complex environment for China’s textile and apparel industry. While exports remain resilient, companies must adapt to these challenges by improving efficiency, diversifying markets, and preparing for potential exchange rate volatility. The road ahead is not without obstacles, but with strategic planning, the sector can continue to thrive in the global market.