Guangdong's textile industry is embracing a digital revolution as factories pivot to e-commerce platforms and advanced technologies to counter global market volatility. The shift was a key theme at the recent Chaoshan International Textile and Garment Exhibition in Shantou, where industry leaders highlighted a 36% surge in local apparel-sector investments this year, reaching 21 billion yuan ($2.9 billion).
Private enterprises are driving this transformation, funneling resources into AI-powered production systems and cross-border online marketplaces. 'We're focusing on premium, tech-integrated products to differentiate ourselves,' said a Shantou-based factory manager during the event. While global demand for textiles dipped in early 2024, Guangdong's manufacturers appear bullish on digital strategies to secure orders from Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern markets.
