October 2025, Guangzhou — The 138th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) grandly opened, with the textile and apparel sector, a traditional strength, attracting buyers from over 200 countries and regions. Functional fabrics, eco-friendly recycled fibers and fast-fashion garments drew the most attention, as many Chinese apparel manufacturers secured numerous cooperation deals on site with their mature supply chains and customization capabilities.

As global attention to sustainability grows, eco-friendly fabrics such as recycled polyester, recycled nylon and organic cotton are increasingly used in apparel manufacturing. Multiple international brands have pledged to increase the proportion of recycled materials, driving upstream fabric makers to accelerate R&D and capacity expansion. Recycled fabrics not only reduce environmental impact but also open new channels to high-end European and American markets for apparel exporters.

In 2025, functional apparel with moisture-wicking, anti-bacterial, UV-protection and thermal properties performed strongly in sports, outdoor and everyday wear markets. Innovation in fabric technology has become the core of differentiation for apparel manufacturers, and factories with functional fabric R&D and application capabilities are winning more international orders.

In recent years, some apparel orders have shifted to Southeast Asia, but China still holds an important position in global apparel sourcing thanks to its complete textile supply chain, mature fabric supply, stable production quality and flexible manufacturing capability. Many international buyers adopt a "China Plus One" strategy, keeping China as their core supply base.