An Overview and Prospect of Textile and Apparel Industry In Asia
——Justin Huang, President of Taiwan Textile Federation

Justin Huang, President of Taiwan Textile Federation, presented his report of An Overview and Prospect of Textile and Apparel Industry In Asia 

Mr. Huang, from Taiwan Textile Federation, shared his opinions on textile and apparel industry in Asia. His report is divided into four parts. 

1. Asia in world trade of textile and apparel 
7 of Top 10 textiles exporters were in Asia(55.1% share): China(1), India(3), Korea(6), Pakistan(7), Taiwan(8), H.K.(9), Vietnam(10). China remained the top 
exporter of textiles in 2016 (with a 37% share) even though its exports declined by 3%. 7 of Top 10 clothing exporters were in Asia(55.4% share): China(1), Bangladesh(3), Vietnam(4), India(5), H.K.(6), Indonesia(8), Cambodia(9). 6 of top 10 Textiles Importers were in Asia(16.9% share): China(3), Vietnam(4), Japan(5), H.K.(6), Bangladesh(7), Indonesia(10). Half of top 10 Clothing Importers were in Asia(10.7% share): Japan(3), H.K.(4), Korea(6), China(7), Australia(8). 

2. Roles in major markets 
6 of top 10 EU textiles suppliers in value were in Asia(58.91% share, increased by 1.39%) : China(1, 33.57%), India(3, 9.37%), Pakistan(4, 8.53%), Korea (6, 3.64%), Japan(8, 2.28%), Taiwan(9, 1.52%). 7 of top 10 EU Apparel suppliers in value were in Asia(71.44%, up by 0.22%): China(1, 33.30%), Bangladesh(2, 18.61%), India(4, 6.06%), Cambodia(5, 4.52%), Vietnam(6, 3.83%), Pakistan(7, 3.27%), Sri Lanka(10, 1.86%). As for US, 6 of top 10 textiles suppliers were in Asia(72.46% share ): China(1), India(2), Pakistan(3), Korea(7), Vietnam(8), Taiwan(10). 7 of top 10 apparel suppliers in value were in Asia(69.77% share): China(1), Vietnam(2), Bangladesh(3), Indonesia(4), India(5), Cambodia(8), Sri Lanka(9). 

3. Status of Asian major suppliers 
In 2017, Bangladesh was the top 2nd apparel supplier of EU, the top 3rd apparel supplier of US, and the top 4th apparel supplier of Japan. Cambodia remained the US' 8th largest apparel supplier in value in 2016 & 2017. In 2017, India was the top 3rd textile supplier of EU, and the top 4th apparel supplier of EU. Also, India was the top 2nd textile supplier of US, and climbed one place to become the top 5th apparel supplier of US. 

4. Prospects 
There're risks and challenges, including Trump’s trade policy, technology influences, social responsibility & sustainability, rising costs impacting margins. There're also opportunities, including faster growth of world economy, material innovation, automation for lower costs, etc.