In June, driven by positive factors such as the concentrated fulfillment of earlier orders, overseas stocking for the second half of the year, and improving China–U.S. economic and trade relations, China’s textile and apparel exports recorded relatively rapid growth both year on year and month on month. According to the latest data released by the General Administration of Customs on July 14, China’s textile and apparel export performance is as follows.

Textile and Apparel Exports in CNY Terms

From January to June 2026, China’s cumulative textile and apparel exports totaled 1.01 trillion yuan, down 2.2% from the same period of the previous year. Textile exports amounted to 506.42 billion yuan, down 0.1%, while apparel exports reached 505.8 billion yuan, down 4.2%.

In June, textile and apparel exports totaled 200.25 billion yuan, up 2.1% year-on-year and 13.9% month-on-month. Textile exports amounted to 92.51 billion yuan, up 6.9% year-on-year and 7.0% month-on-month. Apparel exports reached 107.74 billion yuan, down 1.7% year-on-year but up 20.6% month-on-month.

Textile and Apparel Exports in US Dollar Terms

From January to June 2026, China’s cumulative textile and apparel exports totaled US$145.96 billion, up 1.4% year-on-year. Textile exports amounted to US$73.0 billion, up 3.5%, while apparel exports reached US$72.96 billion, down 0.7%.

In June, textile and apparel exports totaled US$29.27 billion, up 7.2% year on year and 14.3% month on month. Textile exports amounted to US$13.52 billion, up 12.2% year on year and 7.4% month on month. Apparel exports reached US$15.75 billion, up 3.2% year on year and 21.0% month on month.

Figure 1 China’s Monthly Textile and Apparel Exports

Figure 2 China’s Semi-annual Textile and Apparel Export Value, 2023–2026

Exports in June alone performed better than expected. Driven by positive factors including a temporary easing of tensions in the Middle East, declining inventory levels among overseas brands, and a recovery in order demand, China’s textile and apparel exports to the global market reached US$29.27 billion in June, up 7.2% year on year, or 1.9% in yuan terms. Of this total, textile exports amounted to US$13.52 billion, representing a substantial year-on-year increase of 12.3% (6.7% in yuan terms). Apparel exports reached US$15.75 billion, up 3.2% year on year, but down 1.9% in yuan terms.

In terms of major markets, during the first five months of this year, the growth rate of China’s textile and apparel exports to the United States increased by approximately 15 percentage points compared with the same period last year. The meeting between the Chinese and US heads of state established a new positioning for bilateral relations, providing the market with more stable expectations and a positive atmosphere. In the European Union market, growth momentum slowed as high energy costs pushed inflation higher and weakened consumer demand. Imports of Chinese textiles and apparel by traditional markets such as ASEAN, Japan, and South Korea also declined due to regional tensions and rising energy prices.

In terms of product structure, China’s exports of intermediate textile products remained highly resilient, while apparel exports continued to face pressure. From January to May this year, the export value of textile yarns increased by 6.6% compared with the same period last year, while fabric exports edged down by 0.5% year on year. Exports of finished textile products increased by 2.6% year on year, whereas exports of apparel and accessories declined by 1.6%.

Source: CHINA TEXTILE LEADER Express