The China International Textile and Excipients Exposition, commonly known as the Fabric Exhibition, has grown into a key indicator and benchmark for the development of the textile industry. This year, it will celebrate its 15th anniversary in October, marking a remarkable journey from its modest beginnings. Starting with just 4,000 square meters, the exhibition has expanded to over 115,000 square meters, becoming one of the largest professional fabric exhibitions in the world. This impressive growth is not only a testament to the industry's evolution but also a reflection of the increasing importance of textiles in global trade.
Over the past 15 years, the Fabric Exhibition has played a crucial role in shaping the development of China’s textile sector. It has not only witnessed the industry's rapid expansion but also helped establish its position within the global market. As an important platform for textile professionals, the exhibition has continuously adapted to meet the changing needs of both exhibitors and visitors, evolving from a simple showcase to a comprehensive hub for innovation and business.
Founded in 1995, the exhibition was initially created to address a major challenge in the Chinese textile and garment industry: the lack of suitable fabrics that could support design and production. At the time, many designers were limited by the availability of domestic materials, forcing them to rely on imported fabrics. The Fabric Exhibition aimed to bridge this gap by providing a platform where domestic fabric producers could connect with garment manufacturers and gain exposure to high-quality international products.
According to Yang Zhaohua, Vice Chairman of the Textile Industry Branch at the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), the early days of the exhibition were marked by learning and adaptation. "At that time, we had little experience in organizing such events and were still studying abroad to understand best practices," he recalls. In those early stages, the focus was primarily on meeting the needs of exhibitors, ensuring they had the right platforms to showcase their products.
As the 21st century progressed, China’s textile industry experienced significant transformation. Through restructuring and modernization, the country became the world’s leading textile and garment manufacturing base. With this growth came a shift in the role of the Fabric Exhibition. Organizers realized that simply catering to exhibitors was no longer enough — they needed to serve the broader audience, including buyers and industry professionals, to ensure the event remained relevant and valuable.
To better align with the needs of the garment industry, the exhibition began promoting closer collaboration between fabric producers and designers. This led to improvements in fabric quality, increased innovation, and stronger market competitiveness. Over time, the Fabric Exhibition solidified its reputation as a key player in the industry, helping to shape the direction of textile development in China.
Despite challenges like the global financial crisis, the exhibition continued to drive progress. By fostering integration and innovation across the textile supply chain, it helped the industry maintain resilience. Today, the Fabric Exhibition is not just a trade show — it is a symbol of China’s rise as a textile powerhouse and a vital link in the global textile network.
Looking ahead, the exhibition continues to evolve, emphasizing technological advancement, brand building, and sustainable development. As Yang Zhaohua notes, the next phase of growth will require the industry to move beyond being a “textile giant†to becoming a true “textile power.†And the Fabric Exhibition will play a central role in that transformation.
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