China has regained the top position in the world fabric and apparel fair. This is the first observation that can be drawn from this latest edition of the Texworld fair. The Chinese government’s repeal of the zero-Covid policy at the end of last year has prompted a strong comeback for industry in the country, which remains the “factory of the world” with 33 percent of global exports.
Of the 460 exhibitors in the fabric area at Texworld, 220 came from China. This trend was continued in Apparel Sourcing with 210 Chinese manufacturing companies from a range of 270 exhibitors. “European companies importing Chinese products are resuming normal activities. The supply chain is recovering,” emphasized Frédéric Bougeard, President of Messe Frankfurt France at the opening press conference. Ultimately, this means that companies from China have almost returned to pre-pandemic levels in the 2023/2024 summer season, with an export ratio still at 1.5 percent. This export rate should increase: + 2.5 percent compared to 2021 for clothing and textiles.
Texworld Evolution Paris, on the other hand, is still trying to regain its former greatness. In total, it gathered 750 exhibitors across all sections, up from around 1,500 before the pandemic. These figures testify to a difficult geopolitical and economic environment, but also to the resilience of the global textile and apparel industry. Frédéric Bougeard expects the July edition (which marks the 25th anniversary of the fair) to shine with 1,300 exhibitors.
In addition to China, about 20 other countries were represented: including Thailand with a very high-quality range of embroidery, Indonesia, India with very eye-catching embroidery and drapery, Bangladesh and Korea. 122 exhibitors also came from Turkey.
Upgrading the African offer
Also, producing countries in Africa were highlighted this season, starting with Ivory Coast, Senegal, Kenya and Ghana. “The crisis has opened up and deepened new areas and new perspectives outside of Asia, particularly on the African continent, which is an advantage because of its proximity to Europe,” said Frédéric Bougeard. FAN (Fashion Africa Network), a platform for the development of African brands and fabrics, launched this project to connect the supply of eight African countries with European demand.
A new guide for visitors was also presented, the “red thread”, which connected the most important points with each other. Guests were directed from the entrance to the Trend Forum and the ‘Espace Elite’ Forum – the largest industry exhibitors. From there we went to the Jeansdorf with around 20 exhibitors, past the various national pavilions and the ‘Agora’, the location of the conferences. It is also worth mentioning that the area for sustainable sourcing has been redesigned and now includes 100 companies – and counting – that have implemented CSR measures. In addition, another area on the subject of ‘small quantities’ was introduced. This is dedicated to small and medium-sized labels as well as capsule collections. The area of ’handicraft’ and the know-how of artisans is also emphasized here.
A remarkable development also in the strategy of Texworld and at the same time a sign of the current inflationary times: the trade fairs Avantex Paris (fashion tech) and Leatherworld Paris (leather) will take place annually in the future. These Texworld Evolution satellite fairs will not take place again until July 2023, as they have been moved to the Porte de Versailles. The previous location, Le Bourget, was ‘seized’ as a media center for the Olympic Games. A real asset for the Messe Frankfurt France event, making it much more accessible to European visitors.
This article was similarly published on FashionUnited.fr. Translation and editing: Barbara Russ