Intertextile Beijing Apparel Fabrics sets new records

In total, over 1,300 exhibitors from 16 countries and regions, a 2.5% increase year-on-year, as well as over 25,000 buyers were present at the China International Exhibition Centre in Beijing from 27 – 29 March. The top 10 participating countries / regions were China, Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, the US, Turkey, Russia, Taiwan, India and Pakistan.

The prevailing consensus from participants over the three days was one of optimism observed Ms Wendy Wen, Senior General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. “Many overseas exhibitors noted the changing habits of buyers here, with more and more visitors willing to place orders for production for the local market, rather than just look at the latest products,” she said. “We are particularly pleased also that European companies continue to exhibit here in record numbers, proving how sought after their high-end and branded products have become in China.”

Growing number of European exhibitors utilise the fair as their entry to the Chinese domestic market

Many exhibitors from Europe noted the value of Intertextile Beijing for gaining access to the Chinese domestic market. Riri SA, an accessories producer from Switzerland, has attended this fair for more than 10 years. “It is more regional and attracts more local buyers,” said Mr Xiaohu Gu, Greater China General Manager. “There have been many professional buyers visiting our booth, and the visitor flow rate is very high.”

This year’s co-organiser of the Portugal Pavilion agreed that Beijing was the best location to tap into the local market. “Compared to other shows, this one is better to target the domestic market,” said Ms Sofia Botelho, Director of Associacao Selectiva Moda. She also noted the change in buyers’ sourcing habits. “We’ve noticed buyers want to make orders more now, rather than just looking as they might have in the past. Because of this, our exhibitors are happy with the fair and all of them will return next year,” she said.

European suppliers continue to take advantage of China’s demand for ‘made-in-Europe’ products at this fair. As evidence of European companies’ increasing shift towards China to meet this demand, one only needs to look at the huge increase in exhibitors in SalonEurope and the Milano Unica pavilion at Intertextile Beijing Apparel Fabrics – 35.6% and 35% respectively compared to 2012. SalonEurope increased in size by 20%, and covered two halls for the first time.