During our visit to ITMA Singapore 2025, we observed a fact that clearly reflects the new dynamics of the global textile market: nearly 90% of the exhibitors were European, while the presence of Chinese manufacturers was minimal.
At first glance, it might seem like a notable absence, but the explanation is deeper and more strategic.
Chinese manufacturers chose not to participate in the Singapore exhibition for a very simple reason: the extremely high cost of exhibiting in that country, which is four times more expensive than participating in ITMA Shanghai, held the previous year.
A strategic decision: investing in their own market
Every two years, ITMA alternates its venue between Singapore and Shanghai, and each time the exhibition is held outside China, Asian participation decreases significantly.
This is not due to a lack of interest but rather to a very clear strategy:
Chinese manufacturers prioritize their own territory, where costs are more accessible, the infrastructure is better suited to their industry, and where they also receive thousands of international buyers directly in their country.
For them, there’s no need to travel the world — the world travels to China.
Their local trade fairs are larger, more technical, and far more effective for closing real business deals.
While in Singapore space and costs limit participation, in Shanghai the full technological potential of the new generation of Chinese textile machinery is showcased — machinery that now competes with and even surpasses many European brands.
From European tradition to Asian innovation
For decades, Europe set the standard in textile machinery.
Its history, engineering, and expertise remain a benchmark for the industry.
However, in the past ten years, China has moved from imitation to innovation.
Today, it develops its own technology, advanced automation, and machinery with energy efficiency and digitalized processes that match or even surpass European standards.
In fact, several European brands have relocated part of their production to China, maintaining their engineering teams while taking advantage of the manufacturing capacity, speed, and flexibility offered by the Chinese industry.
Two opposing business visions
The cultural difference between both industrial hubs also plays a role.
While Europeans maintain rigid commercial policies, fixed conditions, and very long delivery times, Chinese manufacturers are far more open to different cultures and markets, offering adaptability, direct communication, and significantly shorter delivery times.
In Latin America, especially in Argentina, there is still some resistance toward Chinese brands.
However, those who have already taken the step acknowledge that today’s quality matches or even surpasses European options, with a much more agile level of service and responsiveness.
The competitive advantage of Silqui-Tex International
At Silqui-Tex International, we have our own office in China, where we work alongside our local partner, who holds 50% ownership of our company.
Thanks to this structure, we can access factories that are closed to foreign companies, negotiate directly as a Chinese enterprise, and purchase machinery and spare parts at local prices.
This position allows us to offer our clients original equipment, shorter delivery times, and guaranteed origin — in addition to European spare parts acquired through authorized Chinese distributors, who often have them readily in stock.
Conclusion
While Europe maintains its historical prestige, the future of the textile industry is already in Asia.
Chinese manufacturers have proven that they don’t need to be present at every trade fair around the world to lead the market: their technological development, production capacity, and global connectivity position them as the new hub of textile innovation.
At Silqui-Tex International, we accompany this evolution with a real presence on both continents, providing direct access, technical support, and strategic guidance throughout Latin America.
Silvio Acosta
General Manager of International Trade
Silqui-Tex International
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