Today, it is widely known that China is the world’s leading textile producer. Is it the best? It depends on the product, but I would dare to say yes. If you are considering importing a product that is difficult to manufacture in your country, here is some information that could help you make a decision and give you insight into the main textile-producing countries.
China is the leading exporter of fabric and finished apparel. Following China is the European Union, which specializes primarily in fabric production. Interestingly, the EU is also the largest importer of fabric and finished apparel. After that, the United States and India round out the top producers. Since 2010, countries like Morocco, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Turkey, and South Korea have steadily increased their textile market share in both fabrics and finished apparel.
Other rapidly growing countries in the textile industry include Egypt, Peru, Brazil, and Indonesia.
Each country has its own unique characteristics. I admire India’s creativity. However, regular follow-ups every 48 hours are recommended for smooth production. The climate can also be a disadvantage. India’s creativity, competitive price-quality ratio, and openness to smaller productions make it an ideal choice for small businesses.
China is known for its “professionalism”—yes, within quotation marks, because you’ll find everything there—but they are very meticulous about their production processes. Their technology and machinery are continuously improving. What’s the drawback? The minimum order quantities (MOQs) can be too high for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Peru is one of my personal favorites. The quality of cotton and alpaca is exceptional. If your collection involves knitting and you are based in Latin America, don’t hesitate—Peru will deliver outstanding products. However, it may not be the right choice for a low-cost brand.
When choosing a textile-producing country for a new product, consider these guidelines:
- Type of Product: Choose the country based on the product you want to produce. For example, for warm clothing, China is one of the best producers. For circular fabric, I would recommend Peru, Turkey, or Egypt.
- Proximity: Your production timeline will depend on how frequently you need to replenish your stock. If you require frequent shipments, it’s better to choose a country that is geographically closer.
- Quantities: Depending on your production volume, some countries may be more accessible than others. Turkey also produces excellent warm clothing, and manufacturers there may have lower minimum order requirements compared to China.