Global textile makers bring new tech to apparel fabrics show in Shanghai

The just-concluded Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics, one of the world's largest apparel fabric shows, has drawn more than 3,700 Chinese and international exhibitors, with a vast array of new technologies on show.

This event, which opened on Tuesday, wrapped up on Thursday in China's financial hub of Shanghai. During the show, textile makers from various countries demonstrated how they are applying cutting-edge technologies to the garment industry.

American fabric manufacturer Burlington Fabrics debuted its new technology at the show -- a denim shirt made from nylon. Although denim is typically produced from cotton, this manufacturing innovation makes the shirt at least 50 percent lighter.

"We could see cost benefits for sure, but we also were targeting the weights that typically aren't associated with denim or cellulose, so we were able to achieve lightweight products that give you a similar appearance both in wovens, as well as in knits," said Andrew Hicks, global sales and marketing director of Burlington Fabrics.

Innovations are not only happening on the production side. An AI-based assistant for fashion designers, capable of providing style suggestions based on designers' inspiration and sketches, also took the spotlight at this event.

"In the traditional fashion design process, designers need to spend from few weeks and even up to few months to edit, modify and finalize the fashion collection for the upcoming season based on the initial creative idea and also the mood board. It seems like AI can really help to speed up this process and also at the same time a generative AI can also inspire designers' creativity," said Calvin Wong, CEO of Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Design, a research platform established by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Royal College of Art in the United Kingdom.

Innovation was a key focus among exhibitors. At the same time, the potential challenges that new technologies may pose to the traditional textile industry, which provides a large number of jobs, were also thoroughly discussed during the event.

Industry insiders believe that the rapid development of new technologies may bring certain challenges, but it will also deliver considerable benefits.

"Of course, there will be in change definitely also for the employees, but I see more chances than risk for this kind of industry. First I think there are two directions -- first in the textile processing industry for the production of garments and also of textiles, you have, for example, cloud solutions to produce smaller quantities on demand production. And in addition, for designers -- designers are able to create something new for the industry in a very, very short time," said Olaf Schmidt, vice president of Textiles and Textile Technologies.

Global textile makers bring new tech to apparel fabrics show in Shanghai

China's planned removal of tariffs on African products has opened an unprecedented opportunity for Moroccan potters, who are already adapting their ancestral craftsmanship to win over the Chinese market.

China will implement zero-tariff measures for 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations, starting May 1, 2026.

In a local pottery market in Rabat, Morocco's capital, artisans are busy fulfilling orders for decorated plates, colorful tagines, and handcrafted vases, hoping that the tariff elimination will further ease their access to China's vast consumer market.

"Pottery has a rich history, and we are committed to preserving this traditional craft. What keeps us going is the support of customers from Morocco and abroad. With the recent opening of the Chinese market and the possibility of exporting our products tariff-free, our creations can now reach that immense market, something that truly delights us," said Youssef El Rahamli, a Moroccan artisan and exporter.

For him, opening up to China represents a significant milestone. Foreign demand has allowed him to increase production and hire more workers. In his workshop, several young people are now working to shape and decorate pieces destined for export.

According to Rahamli, the zero-tariff policy could reduce costs and make Moroccan pottery more competitive, offering new income opportunities for local artisans.

Economists say they believe that easier access to the Chinese market could create new opportunities for Morocco's traditional industries.

"So I believe this measure presents real opportunities for Moroccan companies, because it will enhance the competitiveness of exporters. There will surely be an increase in export volumes, particularly for agricultural products, phosphates and their derivatives, industrial goods, and artisanal products. But all of this depends on Moroccan exporters' ability to improve their offerings and services, diversify exports, and move toward high-value-added exports. And, of course, it is also important to adopt a digital-focused trade strategy and strengthen their presence at trade fairs in China to reach Chinese consumers," said Khalid Achibane, a Moroccan economic expert.

China's tariff removal opens door for Moroccan potters