China's textile industry has unmatched advantages

07 Sep '13

2 min read

Recently, a US think tank said that the successor to Chinese textile and apparel manufacturing would not be a single nation but a group of nations. It is because the best destination in the manufacturing sector is not decided on the basis of cost alone, and it includes a lot of other factors.

According to industry analysts, while deciding on the best destination for manufacturing, in addition to cost of raw materials, companies also consider the cost of the plant, utilities, finance, transport, import duties, warehousing facilities, etc.

While sourcing textiles and apparel, companies also consider factors such as reliability; local infrastructure like ports, road transport, power supply, and even political stability; availability of local yarn, fabrics, dyeing facilities and accessories; as well as ethical and environmental compliance.

China not only has all of these, but it also has other unmatched advantages such as relying on increased productivity. Since 2005, China’s garment production has doubled. It has an efficient infrastructure that facilitates efficient transport and logistics. Moreover, it also has convenient customs administration.

China currently accounts for 38 percent of total global textile and apparel imports, and its dominant position is clearly unshakable. However, China’s textile and garment industry needs to work forward to remain at the top in the midst of economic weakness and rising raw material and labor costs.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

More Textiles News - China...