Around 40 VDMA companies showcased their products at the ITMA ASIA + CITMA exhibition held in Shanghai on November 19. They presented a comprehensive range of machines utilized in spinning and manmade fibers, nonwovens, weaving, braiding, knitting and hosiery, finishing and dyeing, and textile processing. This strong representation was part of the broader German presence at the exhibition, which included 60 exhibitors from the country.

The VDMA Textile Machinery Association and VDMA China were notably located in Hall 8 zone B. The inaugural day featured a conference that was addressed by Janperter Horn, Chairman, VDMA Textile Machinery Association. Horn said the event provided an opportunity for association members to engage with customers and partners in person. He emphasized the significance of strengthening relations with China and other countries and forming new partnerships.

Speaking on the German textile industry, Horn highlighted a slight decrease in textile and machinery exports to €1.7 billion between January and August of the current year. Exports to major markets saw a drop in this period, including a reduction in exports to China from €453 million to €440 million, Turkey from €265 million to €205 million, the US from €144 million to €177 million, and to India from €228 million to €170 million.

As per recent VDMA business climate survey among textile machinery companies in China, nearly 75 per cent participants regarded their present business situation as either good (6 per cent) or satisfactory (69 per cent). Looking ahead, about 50 per cent the companies anticipate a market decline in the coming quarter, while 44 per cent expect it to remain stable. Moreover, 63 per cent anticipate retaining their employees in the coming years.