In the first three quarters of 2025, the global economic recovery remained sluggish, geopolitical conflicts persisted, and uncertainties in the monetary policies of major economies lingered. Facing a complex and challenging external environment, China’s technical textiles sector generally sustained stable economic operations. Although growth rates in production and economic efficiency indicators slowed, exports showed a moderate recovery trend. According to a survey by the China Nonwovens & Industrial Textiles Association (CNITA), the industry’s business confidence index reached 63.3 in the first three quarters of 2025, up by 8.7 points compared to the first half of the year (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Prosperity Index of China’s Technical Textiles Industry

I. Production

Since the start of 2025, China’s nonwoven output has followed a pattern of “high level at the beginning, then decline, followed by stabilization.” According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, nonwoven output from enterprises above designated size increased by 5% year-on-year from January to September 2025, with monthly average production rising by 12.2% compared to the second quarter. Market demand for cord fabric (in tires) has slowed, with overall production remaining within negative growth. From January to September, the output of cord fabric (in tires) from enterprises above designated size decreased by 1.7% year-on-year (Figure 2).

Figure 2: Growth Rate of Nonwoven and Cord Fabric (in Tires) Production in China Over the Past Year (Above Designated Size)

II. Economic Benefits

According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, in the first three quarters of 2025, the operating revenue and total profit of enterprises above designated size in the technical textiles sector increased by 1.6% and 0.3% year-on-year, respectively. Based on calculations by the China Nonwovens & Industrial Textiles Association, the operating profit margin of enterprises above designated size in the sector stood at 3.7%, seeing a decrease of 0.1 percentage points year-on-year. Since the first quarter of 2025, the industry’s revenue growth has slowed month-on-month, while total profit growth has re-entered a downward trend. The foundation for stable economic operation in the industry still needs strengthening.

Figure 3: Growth Rates of Revenue and Total Profit China’s Technical Textiles Sector (Above Designated Size) Over the Past Year

Table 1: Key Economic Indicators of Major Products Above Designated Size of China’s Technical Textile Industry in Q1-Q3, 2025

Among listed companies, in the first three quarters of 2025, the operating revenue and total profit of 35 technical textiles and relevant industry listed companies surged by 12.9% and 29.8% year-on-year, respectively, with growth rates expanding further compared to the second quarter. Among them, 16 listed companies achieved growth in both operating revenue and total profit. Listed companies in nonwoven and medical and hygiene textiles demonstrated robust development momentum, while those in synthetic leather experienced a significant decline in profits.

III. International Trade

According to China Customs data (based on 8-digit HS code statistics), China’s technical textiles sector saw growth in both imports and exports during the first three quarters of 2025. Exports reached US$31.82 billion, marking a 2.9% year-on-year increase, while imports amounted to US$4.09 billion, rising 4.6% year-on-year.

Table 2: The Exports of Main Products in China’s Technical Textile Industry in Q1-Q3, 2025

China’s technical textiles sector has seen steady growth in exports to major markets. Exports to Vietnam, Japan, and South Korea rose by 2.8%, 1.8%, and 0.7%, respectively, while exports to Thailand jumped by 17.4%. However, due to U.S. tariff policies, exports to the United States fell by 5.4% year-on-year, and exports to India and the Philippines experienced slight declines of 1% and 0.7%, respectively.

Source: CHINA TEXTILE LEADER Express