After a successful Autumn Edition, where international visitor numbers surged, Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics is gearing up for its Spring 2025 Edition, set to take place from March 11 to 13 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). Organizers are keen to build on the success of 2024, which saw a doubling of international visitor numbers in spring, followed by another strong performance in autumn. The return of international participants signals the fair’s resilience and highlights its global importance.
Major attractions for Spring 2025
Several key features are set to enhance the upcoming Spring Edition. These include the Intertextile Directions Trend Forum for Spring/Summer 2026, which will spotlight the latest design trends, as well as the highly anticipated return of the Econogy Hub and the Digital Solutions Zone. Additionally, the fringe programme will expand, further reinforcing the fair’s commitment to industry trends, sustainability, and digital innovation.
The Econogy Hub, which made its debut during the Autumn Edition, will once again be a focal point. This zone, an evolution of the previous All About Sustainability section, showcases sustainable products and services. It will be supported by Econogy Talks, a platform for discussing key sustainability issues, and the Econogy Finder, a digital tool that helps buyers discover eco-focused suppliers. These initiatives are aligned with Messe Frankfurt’s TexpertiseEconogy sustainability concept, part of its global Texpertise Network that encompasses over 50 textile events worldwide.
Focus on digital transformation and functional fashion
Alongside sustainability, digital transformation will be another central theme. The Digital Solutions Zone will feature cutting-edge offerings, such as AI-powered fabric search, 3D visualization tools, and advanced design software. These innovations are intended to enhance the sourcing experience for buyers and exhibitors alike. Other zones will focus on specialized categories like Accessories Vision, Beyond Denim, Functional Lab, Premium Wool Zone, Salon Europe, and Verve for Design, offering a wide variety of products and solutions for the global textile market.
Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, credits the fair's success to its wide range of offerings. She highlighted that the two shows this year drew nearly 8,000 exhibitors from 29 countries and regions, reflecting the event’s scale and its key role as a platform for discovering trends and innovations. Looking ahead to the upcoming Spring Edition, Shea emphasized the continued focus on digital and sustainable themes, aiming to provide forward-thinking exhibitors with the best opportunities to engage with relevant buyers.
Global participation reflects industry resilience
The Spring and Autumn Editions of 2024 both witnessed significant increases in international participation, a clear indication of the fair’s strong post-pandemic recovery. The 2024 Spring Edition saw a 99 per cent increase in international visitors and a 22.9 per cent rise in overseas exhibitors. The Autumn Edition followed suit, with over 50 fringe events, including 25 with a sustainability focus, and the introduction of new pavilions from Malaysia and Uzbekistan.
The success of these editions has fueled optimism for the 2025 Spring Edition, with many participants already signaling their intent to return. The extension of China’s visa-free policy for 16 countries, including Belgium, France, Spain, and Switzerland, until the end of 2025, is expected to further boost international attendance.
Sustainability and innovation at the core Sustainability continues to be a key factor in the fair's development. Linda Wegelin, Chief Commercial Officer of Testex AG, who participated in the 2024 Spring Edition, emphasized the importance of China’s visa-free initiative for international trade, noting that it signals a return to pre-pandemic business conditions. Wegelin highlighted the growing demand for sustainability throughout the supply chain, driven by consumer pressure for change. She also pointed out that Intertextile provides a valuable platform for discovering innovative sustainable solutions.
Innovation is a key aspect of the fair’s attraction. Monika Januavita Kopeng, Lead Fashion Designer at Love, Bonito Singapore, emphasized the value of attending the Autumn Edition, where she engaged with exhibitors from different countries and discovered new fabrics and technologies. Kopeng mentioned that the materials and innovations found at the event would benefit her brand, and expressed anticipation for participating in the upcoming Spring Edition.
Looking ahead
Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics - Spring Edition 2025 will continue to be co-organized by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, the Sub-Council of Textile Industry (CCPIT), and the China Textile Information Centre. The event will run alongside other major fairs, including Yarn Expo Spring, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles - Spring Edition, CHIC, and PH Value, further amplifying its significance as a comprehensive textile trade platform. With sustainability, digital transformation, and global trends at its core, the upcoming edition promises to be another key milestone in the textile industry’s recovery and growth.
