Business · Trade · 2 hrs ago
Chinese-style clothing draws overseas buyers as exports grow
China’s clothing exports rose 4.8% in the first three quarters of this year, reaching $120.7 billion.
Clothing with Chinese traditional styles and designs is attracting overseas buyers at the Canton Fair and in markets such as Shenzhen.
Some buyers are travelling to China to choose and check products in person, and sellers say embroidered styles are in demand.
In Jiangxi province, flexible digital factory lines let manufacturers make small orders and quickly restock popular designs.
Buyers can test styles with smaller orders and increase them if sales are strong.
The shift shows China exporting more than clothing: original design is becoming a bigger part of its appeal.
Local manufacturers are also producing orders for the autumn and winter season in Europe and the United States while making new spring and summer styles.
China’s clothing exports reached $120.7 billion in the first three quarters of this year, up 4.8% from a year earlier.
Chinese-style and new Chinese-style clothing are drawing overseas buyers, including at the 140th Canton Fair and clothing markets in Shenzhen.
Some overseas buyers are travelling to China to select and inspect products in person, while sellers report large orders and repeat purchases.
Factories in Jiangxi are using flexible digital production lines to handle small orders and make quick adjustments.
China’s textile and clothing industry had a 57.4% equipment digitalisation rate in 2025, according to the China National Textile and Apparel Council.
- Who
- Chinese clothing exporters and overseas buyers.
- What
- Chinese-style clothing is attracting overseas buyers as clothing exports grow.
- When
- This year; the export figures cover the first three quarters.
- Where
- China, including the Canton Fair, Shenzhen’s Nanyou clothing market and factories in Jiangxi.
- Why
- Buyers are drawn to original designs, traditional aesthetics and product quality; flexible production lets factories adapt orders.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
China’s textile and clothing industry had an equipment digitalisation rate of 57.4%, according to the China National Textile and Apparel Council.
China’s clothing exports totalled $120.7 billion, up 4.8% year on year.
Clothing exports rose 23.9% year on year, marking a fourth consecutive month of growth.
Clothing companies showed new Chinese-style designs, drawing overseas buyers who made inquiries and placed orders.
- Clothing exports
- $120.7 billion in the first three quarters of this year
- Year-on-year export growth
- 4.8% in the first three quarters
- September export growth
- 23.9% year on year
- Reported single-store order
- Up to 580,000 yuan
- Garment and textile businesses in Yudu County, Jiangxi
- More than 3,800
- Industry equipment digitalisation rate
- 57.4% in 2025
1 source
What people are saying
These Chinese traditional fashions surprised us, and the quality is very good.
I came here with plans and ideas for cooperation, and I was astonished by the scale of the factories and showrooms here, so I couldn’t wait to finalize an order.
Whatever fabric the customer wants, they can order starting from just a few pieces.