China has eight major categories such as garment, cotton fabrics, chemical fabrics, wool fabrics, silk fabrics, knitted fabrics, textile machinery and bestfibre. And production capacity of all categories is exceptional by world standards. Data from China Textile Industry Development Report (2014/2015) reveal textile fibre production in China was over 50 million tonnes, accounting for 54.36 per cent of world’s share. As much as 64.2 per cent of the world’s chemical fibres, 64.1 per cent of synthetic fibres and 26.2 per cent of cotton were produced in China.

On the other side, apparel production in China touched 29.9 billion units in 2014, which is 10.4 per cent higher when compared to 2013. Chinese production figures give a clear indication the country will remain the top apparel-sourcing country for international buyers.

Data from International Trace Corporation (ITC) World Trade Organization (WTO) show the total value of China’s apparel and accessories exports was $147.79 billion in 2016 which was $162.35 billion in 2015 and $173.44 billion in 2014 and $165.04 billion in 2013. The data clearly indicated Chinese apparel exports recorded a steep growth rate till 2014 and post ’14 recorded a steep decline. In 2014, Chinese international apparel export was the highest within two years it has lost 14.79 per cent of its exports.