"Over the last 60 years, Taiwan has evolved from a mass supplier to an innovator equipped with a comprehensive yet integrated value chain and developer of high value added products and functional textiles. One of the most significant sectors of the manufacturing industry, the textile industry now ranks among the top seven in the world based on export value. Fabric is the biggest item exported in 2018 with a total export value of $6.66 billion; followed by yarn with a total export value of $1.7 billion."

Over the last 60 years, Taiwan has evolved from a mass supplier to an innovator equipped with a comprehensive yet integrated value chain and developer of high value added products and functional textiles. One of the most significant sectors of the manufacturing industry, the textile industry now ranks among the top seven in the world based on export value. Fabric is the biggest item exported in 2018 with a total export value of $6.66 billion; followed by yarn with a total export value of $1.7 billion.

High value exports in focus

Although the value of exports has dropped in the past few years, the country now focuses more on exporting high value-added textiles for sportswear and outdoor clothing, which makes the country the seventh largest textiles exporting country. Some of value-added textiles exported by the country include:

Functional textiles: Taiwan is a major provider of functional textiles for well-known international outdoor and sportswear brands. The country exports around 70 per cent of the world’s output of functional fabrics. For 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, the country provided around three-quarters of the players uniforms for the top 16 teams.

Innovative and eco-friendly solutions: With eco friendliness now being in the DNA of Taiwan’s textile industry, the country has become a leading supplier of recycled man-made fibers and blends. The country offers innovative solutions and environmentally sustainable products which are compliant with bluesign®, ZDHC, suitable for OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, of brands. It also constantly introduces new sustainable textile developments that combine high-tech, ecology, function with life aesthetics.

Smart textiles with electronics: Taiwan’s two globally competitive industries textiles and electronics are now working together to develop smart textiles. These textiles are combined with nanotechnology, biosensors, new materials and miniaturised electronic components to be applied to day-to-day living as well as many other areas. The country has also developed an integrated supply chain, with different companies across the country specialising in smart metallic yarns, electrotherapeutic functions for pain relief smart textiles with temperature control and warning feature, positioning functions such innovations have helped develop new ideas for healthcare, sports, safety, fashion, entertainment, military, and aviation uses.

Leading brands like Nike, The North Face, Adidas, VF Corp, Columbia, Lululemon, Under Armour, Jack Wolfskin, Vaude now depend on Taiwan for its unmatched value proposition. The country has gained reputation for its reliability, innovation and sustainability. In future, Taiwan would continue focusing on technology, eco-friendliness, smart manufacturing and supply chain integration.