China's polyester staple fiber exports soar driven by apparel market demand

China's polyester staple fiber exports continue to rise, driven by growth in demand for the synthetic fiber in the apparel market.

China is a major global producer and exporter of polyester staple fiber, with Vietnam as its largest export destination. The country's well-developed textile industry and supply chain give it a significant advantage in the global market, which is expected to continue growing over the next decade.

China exported 929,100 tons of polyester staple fiber in 2021, a 16.77 per cent year-on-year increase, with an export value of US$951 million, a 37.59 per cent year-on-year increase. From January to November 2022, China exported 908,500 tons of polyester staple fiber, an 8.40 per cent year-on-year increase, with an export value of US$1,017 million, a 19.85 per cent year-on-year increase.

China exported polyester staple fiber to over 130 countries and regions in 2021. Vietnam, Pakistan, the United States, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Brazil, the Russian Federation, India, Israel, and Peru were the top ten export destinations of polyester staple fiber from China in terms of export volume. Vietnam was the most significant export destination, accounting for 18.21 per cent of China's total export volume of polyester staple fiber and 19.01 per cent of its total export value.

In recent years, the Chinese textile and apparel industry has been shifting to Vietnam, Indonesia, and other Southeast Asian countries. However, since the textile industry chain in these countries is not yet fully developed, they still rely on mainland China for textile raw materials, including polyester staple fiber.

The global market for polyester staple fiber is expected to continue growing between 2023-2032, which will likely promote the growth of China's polyester staple fiber export volume.