Throughout its booths and fringe events, the well-known yarn and fibre platform demonstrated the latest industry trends, particularly the pursuit of green and innovative products, as well as evolving export opportunities for international businesses targeting South China, and vice versa.

Amid global business headwinds, China's yarn and fibre industry has displayed resilience and growth potential. According to the latest customs data, textile yarn exports from China increased by 9.7% YoY to USD 1.2 billion in September[1]. Mirroring the industry’s strong prospects, this year's fair served as a springboard for exhibitors to network with international buyers and suppliers, as well as to expand their business in South China and Southeast Asia.

“Walking through the fairground, it was clear to see that Yarn Expo Shenzhen offers the industry a comprehensive trade platform to take advantage of regional and international opportunities," said Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. "Especially opportunities coming from Southeast Asia, where a positive growth outlook has been attracting free-flowing foreign investment, and we were pleased to welcome some prominent buyers from this region. This paired well with the needs of our export-focused exhibitors – however, we also sensed a firm desire from industry players for Chinese sales, and the diverse domestic visitor flow was an important factor as well."

In conjunction with a positive business outlook, sustainability remains a prominent market trend. As brands and consumers place more emphasis on the authenticity and traceability of eco-friendly products, industry buyers are increasingly conscious of every sourcing step they take. With yarns and fibres making up the foundations of textile production, the fair serves as a beacon for the development of the organic, recycled, and biodegradable markets.

Exhibitors’ feedback

“We can leverage our export business at this fair, since the Greater Bay Area has a strong connection with the international market as well as high domestic demand. With the new generation of consumers more receptive to green and functional products, we have been focusing on developing these types of more high-end products. During the fair, we met more foreign than local customers, who found our products to be very innovative, such as our fibres with skin-care functions, and reyon fibres made from ginger for keeping warm."

Ms Amy Yuan, Marketing Manager, Bettertex, China

“Our main market is still overseas, but we see great potential in Shenzhen, because Guangdong has many well-established local brands, especially for women's fashion. With the market becoming more competitive, many leading brands try to differentiate themselves by using quality yarn, notably younger and more vibrant brands. They are more willing to invest in high-end raw materials, since raw materials ultimately determine the quality of their garments."

Ms Channie Chang, Assistant General Manager, Sales & Marketing, Consinee Group Co Ltd, China

“Previously, we had not explored the South China market, which is why we joined this fair. The visitors are also different at this edition. At Yarn Expo in Shanghai, we met with consumers, traders, as well as agents. But at Yarn Expo Shenzhen it is mainly end-users. I think this is the best fair for the yarn industry. It gives us a lot of cutting-edge advantages, to come here and meet international buyers as well as Chinese buyers.”

Mr Ankit Lath, Director, Kamal Cotspin Pvt Ltd, India

“Yarn Expo Shenzhen is very beneficial to our business. Although the global economy is experiencing headwinds, the cotton yarn market is still gradually growing, so attending this fair is a great opportunity to expand our business. We have met some excellent clients and agents to work with and have come up with some new ideas to develop new businesses in various fields."

Mr Sadik Halani, Managing Director, Jolly Agri Exim, India