China's H1 2026 Textile And Apparel Exports Reach $145.96 Billion Amid Sharp June Recovery

The General Administration of Customs has released its comprehensive trade database for the first half of 2026, revealing a stable baseline for the textile and apparel export sector despite a complex macroeconomic climate.

 

The accumulated export data from January to June 2026 shows a market characterized by steady aggregate volumes, clear structural divergence between upstream intermediate goods and downstream finished apparel, and a demand-driven surge in late June as international buyers initiated their autumn and winter purchasing cycles. For global procurement professionals monitoring supply chain dynamics, these mid-year statistics clarify regional production capacities and shifting supply lines across Asia.

 

 

Measured in US dollar denominations, the textile and apparel export volumes for the first half of 2026 confirm a resilient baseline for raw material and garment shipments:

• Cumulative H1 Totals: Between January and June 2026, the cumulative export value reached 145.96 billion USD, representing a year-on-year increase of 1.4% and maintaining a stable volume compared to recent historical averages.
• Sector Performance:

Textiles (Upstream & Midstream): Totaled 73 billion USD, showing a year-on-year expansion of 3.5% and indicating sustained global demand for industrial yarns, base fibers, and intermediate fabrics.

Apparel (Finished Goods): Registered at 72.96 billion USD, representing a minor year-on-year decrease of 0.7%. This decline is narrower by 0.9 percentage points compared to the contraction observed in H1 2025, indicating stabilizing demand for finished garments.

• The June Recovery: In June 2026, the sector recorded a significant, unexpected rebound. Monthly exports reached 29.27 billion USD, representing a 7.2% year-on-year increase and a month-on-month surge of 14.3%:

June textile exports reached 13.52 billion USD (up 12.2% YoY, and 7.4% MoM).

June apparel exports rose to 15.75 billion USD (up 3.2% YoY, and a sharp 21% MoM).

 

In RMB terms, currency fluctuations introduced minor variations. Cumulative exports for the first half of 2026 totaled 1012.22 billion RMB, representing a 2.2% decline. Within this category, textile intermediates fell slightly by 0.1% to 506.42 billion RMB, while finished apparel declined by 4.2% to 505.8 billion RMB. Despite these currency fluctuations, the June recovery remained clear, with monthly exports reaching 200.25 billion RMB and showing strong month-on-month increases across both fabric and apparel divisions.

 

 

Regional export patterns during the first half of 2026 show a divided global market, requiring buyers to adjust their international supply structures:

• Strong Expansion in the US Market: The United States served as the primary source of export volume growth during the first half of the year. The year-on-year growth rate for exports to the US expanded by 15 percentage points compared to the same period in 2025, supported by stabilized bilateral trade expectations and the completion of inventory destocking cycles by major North American brands.
• Weakening Demand in Europe and East Asia: Traditional mature markets, including the European Union, Japan, and South Korea, showed weaker purchasing energy. High energy costs and inflation pressures in Europe reduced consumer spending on apparel, while regional economic adjustments in the ASEAN region and East Asia led to lower import volumes.
• Short-Term Logistical Relief: A temporary easing of shipping rates in June, combined with stabilizing maritime transport corridors, helped lower transit costs and facilitated the timely export of accumulated orders.

 

 

 

Detailed category data from the first half of 2026 illustrates the contrasting performance of upstream and downstream manufacturing sectors:

• Upstream Materials Lead Growth: Technical textile intermediates showed strong performance, with yarn exports increasing by 6.6% year-on-year. Fabric exports remained stable, declining by just 0.5%, while finished industrial textiles grew by 2.6%. Conversely, finished garments and apparel accessories registered a year-on-year decline of 1.6%.
• Just-in-Time Sourcing Patterns: To manage market volatility, global brands are minimizing large, long-term finished garment orders. Instead, they are prioritizing high-frequency, flexible procurement of raw yarns and intermediate fabrics. Because of its highly integrated production networks, China remains a critical partner for these fast-cycle sourcing programs.

 

 

To help international brands maintain consistent Material Performance under these demanding, short-cycle schedules, our cross-border supply chains are optimized to deliver premium raw materials directly to regional manufacturing hubs:

• High-Consistency Sustainable Fibers: For technical spinning, home textiles, and non-woven backing applications, integrating premium Recycled Polyester Staple Fiber into yarn production offers a reliable, GRS-certified solution. This sustainable polymer delivers high tensile strength and consistent physical properties, helping brands meet environmental standards without sacrificing durability.
• Specialized Technical Performance: For specialized textile programs requiring flame retardancy, low-pilling surface profiles, or specific thermal insulation, utilizing Special Environmental Fibers provides a precise solution. This targeted raw material integration helps mills satisfy international quality standards and maintain overall Supply Chain Resilience during volatile trade cycles.

 

 

Looking ahead to the second half of 2026, the international trade environment remains complex. The World Bank has cautioned that global consumer markets will continue to face headwinds from high energy costs, inflation, and tight monetary policies, which may limit the growth of retail consumption.

 

 

The export performance of the first half of 2026, culminating in the strong June rebound, demonstrates that volume-driven, low-cost export strategies are being replaced by value-driven procurement. Navigating upcoming market cycles will require international buyers and manufacturers to focus on securing integrated supply chains, prioritizing high-performance materials, and utilizing flexible, cross-border logistics routes.