China’s Textile Export in 2026 & 2027 Prospect

China's textile and apparel exports maintained mild overall growth in 2026, hitting around $68 billion in Q1 with a 1.3% year-on-year rise despite sharp monthly swings. Driven by restocking demand, shipments to ASEAN, Africa and the Middle East grew steadily while EU orders kept robust expansion, offsetting sluggish US market growth. Technical and home textiles became core growth pillars, yet raw material costs and fierce global price competition squeezed profit margins continuously. Temporary order backflow from Southeast Asia's unstable supply chains further boosted China's early-year export performance.

For 2027, exports will see modest steady expansion instead of sharp surges. RCEP will continuously fuel regional trade, and green & functional textiles will lift product added value amid EU's carbon tariff rules. Downside risks lie in Western trade restrictions and scattered industrial relocation to emerging economies. Diversified emerging-market layout and intelligent upgrading will anchor China's leading global textile exporter status.