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Introduction: China has the world’s largest textile and clothing industry, with abundant raw materials, flexible production and processing, and efficient logistics distribution, which have formed a complete supply chain system. Faced with increasingly fierce domestic market competition, a growing number of clothing companies are seizing global growth markets by exporting products and brand power. Looking globally, as the global economy recovers, modern retail industry undergoes transformation, and people’s fashion awareness awakens, the value embodied in clothing as a carrier is becoming an increasingly important focus for many consumers. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) responsibility, texture, inclusivity, and practicality are among the diverse trends that are becoming popular, and they are also bringing new development opportunities to the global clothing industry.

In 2022, the global apparel export value was $568.7 billion, up 4.6% (Clothing export value 19-22CAGR). China maintained its leading position in apparel exports, thanks to its strong supply chain resilience, despite facing pressure and challenges such as weak demand and rising costs. Its complete industrial chain, abundant raw material supply, and developed industrial cluster advantages supported China’s apparel export industry as the world’s No. 1 player. The European Union was the second largest apparel export region, with its 15 current member countries mostly being textile industrialized countries, ensuring stable apparel exports of $568.7 billion, up 4.6% (Clothing export value 19-22CAGR). Industrial advantages supported China’s continued dominance as the world’s largest apparel exporting country.

Opportunities and challenges coexist in China’s apparel export market. In the mature markets of the US and Europe, demand has slowed, while exports to emerging markets such as ASEAN, Russia, and Central Asia have performed well. The RCEP agreement’s tariff benefits have driven extensive cooperation between China and countries such as ASEAN and Central Asia, accelerating the growth of apparel exports to South America and the Middle East.

China is the world’s largest cotton producer, accounting for 23% of global cotton production (2022)， with Xinjiang being the main production area, contributing over 90% of the output. China’s share of global yarn production was 29% in 2022, providing a stable and sufficient supply of raw materials for China’s apparel industry.

The gradual improvement of industry policies is also guiding China’s apparel industry into a new track of high-quality and intelligent transformation. As the economy and consumption habits gradually return to normal after the pandemic, global apparel consumption is also warming up, and the economy is gradually recovering: Although economic growth slowed after 22, due to multiple factors such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and global inflation, the world’s actual GDP is still in a growth trend, and consumer confidence is recovering: The gradual recovery of the economy has led to the recovery of global consumer confidence year by year; After the outdoor scene returns to normal, Consumers’ willingness to purchase clothing has increased. In 2022, the global per capita clothing consumption expenditure grew by 9.7% compared with that in 2020.