Shanghai Intertextile Apparel Springs Connects Global Textile Value Chain Together

Spring’s much-anticipated global apparel flagship ended on a high note on 30 March 2023. Over the course of the three-day fair, the first major textile event since China became more accessible, nearly 3,000 exhibitors from 22 countries and regions welcomed nearly 100,000 trade buyers from 101 countries and regions.

With a worldwide reputation for its product diversity and internationality, the Spring Edition of Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics reaffirmed its position as the ideal platform for the whole textile value chain to assemble. International exhibitors hoping to reconnect with domestic buyers confirmed their goals had been accomplished, while participants were impressed with the fringe programme, and benefitted from the extensive sourcing opportunities available at the concurrent Yarn Expo Spring and Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles Spring.

Speaking at the fair’s conclusion, Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, remarked: “We are glad to have witnessed so many industry players reunited at the fairground, with largely positive feedback. China is reasserting itself on the global stage, and upon the evidence at the fairground this week, its textile market is following suit. Exhibitors were particularly pleased with the overwhelming visitor flow which has confirmed that a ‘back-to-business’ mentality is prevalent again. The fair has been growing in importance for nearly three decades, and is now consistently a crucial platform for the textile industry to keep up with market trends and embrace the latest apparel technology. After the success of this Spring Edition, we are optimistic about bringing further opportunities to the industry when we gather here again for our Autumn Edition in August.”

25% rise in international exhibitors, with domestic numbers also up
The fair’s nearly 3,000 exhibitors represented a healthy increase from the previous spring edition in 2021. 46% of overseas suppliers returned to showcase their products in 2023, while new exhibitor countries and regions were Belgium, Cambodia, Macau China, Pakistan, and Portugal. Hailing from Italy and the UK, the Premium Wool Zone’s 32 exhibitors represented the highest number since the zone’s introduction, a sure sign of increasing Chinese demand for luxury wool products. Many buyers were prompted into business interactions across the fair’s six halls, spanning over 160,000 square metres, and high traffic areas included the Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, and Taiwan Pavilions.

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2023, co-organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Textile Information Centre took place alongside Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition, Yarn Expo Spring, CHIC and PH Value from 28 – 30 March at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). The Autumn Edition will be held at the same venue from 28 – 30 August 2023.