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60 years of Chinese clothing revolution: from cotton to "really good" to rayon
In 1949, when the People's Republic of China was established, the average per capita cloth availability stood at just 7 feet, far from enough to cover the needs of an adult, let alone make a quilt. Clothing and consumer spending per capita nationwide averaged a mere 6.5 yuan. "Wearing underwear" was a stark depiction of the times. By 2007, the national chemical fiber production had surged to 24.57 million tons, marking an 8,533% increase from 1978's 284,600 tons, accounting for over a third of global output and leading the world. This transformation marked a revolution in Chinese attire, shifting from cotton to chemical fibers.
The introduction of chemical fibers was nothing short of revolutionary. Ji Guotao recalls first trying "polyester" in 1963, a material that quickly became cherished for its crispness, stain resistance, durability, and affordability—qualities that made it highly desirable. By the 1970s, the state had prioritized chemical fiber development, constructing four major bases in Shanghai, Liaoyang, Tianjin, and Sichuan. These efforts led to a comprehensive textile industry system by the late '70s, satisfying public clothing demands.
Today, chemical fibers account for 65% of China's textile raw material usage. They are omnipresent in daily life, from cosmetics to medical supplies. In the fashion world, their versatility and adaptability continue to drive innovation. For instance, nonwoven fabrics, a branch of the chemical fiber industry, have grown from under 5,000 tons in the 1970s and 1980s to over 172 million tons today, making China the global leader in nonwoven production.
From an economic standpoint, China's textile and apparel industry has undergone a dramatic evolution. In 1980, exports were valued at $4.4 billion; by 2007, this figure had soared to $175.6 billion, representing 30% of the global market. General trade now accounts for 72.4% of exports, surpassing previous reliance on processing trade.
However, challenges remain. Du Chau highlights that rising trade frictions stem from concerns over China’s improving quality and competitiveness. Yet, this advancement also solidifies China's position as the world's largest textile and apparel exporter and consumer market.
Looking ahead, the industry continues to innovate. Breakthroughs in technology and equipment have driven significant progress. Domestic textile machinery now boasts higher market shares and lower costs, supporting independent innovation. The industry’s future lies in embracing sustainability and advanced technologies, ensuring continued growth and relevance.
As quality improves and production scales up, China’s textile industry is poised to maintain its global leadership, blending tradition with modernity and fostering sustainable development.
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