For decades, China reigned supreme as the world's leading textile and apparel (T&A) manufacturer and exporter. Its dominance in the global market has been undeniable, supplying a significant portion of clothing and textiles to countries worldwide. However, recent trends suggest a potential shift in this dynamic.
While China's market share peaked in the mid-2000s in the US market, both in terms of value and units, there has been a gradual decline in recent years. This decline, while subtle, indicates the US is increasingly diversifying its sourcing, potentially looking beyond China for its T&A needs.
What led to the change…
There are several reasons for this change. Rising production costs is foremost. As China's economic growth has led to higher labor and manufacturing costs, making it less competitive compared to other emerging economies in Southeast Asia. Moreover, ongoing trade disputes between China and major economies like the US have prompted businesses to explore alternative sourcing destinations.
Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of relying heavily on a single source for critical goods. Consequently, companies are actively seeking to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on China. Growing awareness about environmental and social issues associated with textile production in China has encouraged brands to seek more sustainable and ethical sourcing options.
Global trends
In fact, this shift is not limited to the US market. Evidence suggests a broader trend of diversification in textile and apparel imports globally.
For example, Australia despite fluctuating diplomatic relations, China remains Australia's primary apparel supplier. However, its share has decreased from a peak of 66.11 per cent in 2020 to 59.12 per cent in the first quarter of the current year. This indicates a growing inclination towards alternative sourcing destinations.
The EU too has been actively seeking to reduce its reliance on Chinese T&A imports. While China remains a significant supplier, countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Turkey have increased their market share in recent years. This diversification strategy is driven by factors like cost competitiveness, sustainability concerns, and a desire to support regional economic growth.
In future, while China will likely remain a major player in the global textile and apparel market, its dominance is gradually eroding. The future points towards a more diversified landscape, with businesses spreading their sourcing across various countries. This shift presents both challenges and opportunities for different players in the global T&A industry.
The challenges include, maintaining cost competitiveness. As production shifts to other countries, maintaining cost competitiveness will be crucial for businesses. Ensuring ethical and sustainable practices is also a must. Companies must prioritize ethical and sustainable sourcing practices across their diversified supply chains. And businesses need to be agile and adaptable to navigate geopolitical risks and potential disruptions in global trade.
The opportunities
The opportunities are numerous for emerging economies. The shift away from China creates opportunities for emerging economies in Southeast Asia and other regions to expand their T&A industries. Diversified supply chains enhance resilience and reduce dependence on a single source, mitigating risks associated with disruptions. The trend towards diversification allows companies to prioritize sustainability and ethical practices in their sourcing decisions.
Thus the global T&A industry is undergoing a change. While China remains a key player, its dominance is gradually reducing as businesses seek to diversify their sourcing. This presents both challenges and opportunities for stakeholders in the global T&A landscape. Adaptability, ethical sourcing practices, and a focus on sustainability will be crucial for navigating this evolving terrain and ensuring a thriving future for the industry.
