Looking at Zhengzhou's "face" in the coastal Qizhou Henan garment industry ushered in business opportunities
The 2010 China (Zhengzhou) International Sewing Equipment and Surface Accessories Exhibition marked a significant milestone, launching in Zhengzhou with the participation of over 150 renowned domestic and international companies. From embroidery machines to laser cutters and bag-opening devices, the event offered a vibrant showcase of the latest innovations in the textile industry. As the exhibition unfolded at Ruyi Lake, it became clear that the Central Plains region was becoming a key player in the clothing market.
A growing consensus emerged among attendees: the Henan apparel industry presents massive business opportunities. One standout example was a Japanese embroidery machine from Tajima, which could complete a detailed design in just 75 minutes—something that would take an artisan several days to achieve manually. With 850 needles per minute, this technology demonstrated the power of automation in boosting productivity.
The exhibition also featured a wide range of sewing equipment brands, many of which made a strong impression. Alongside these, surface accessories companies introduced innovative products and advanced technologies, highlighting the evolving landscape of the industry.
Yan Shuilin, chairman of Suzhou Xiadan Knitted Fabrics Garment Co., Ltd., shared that his company attends at least three major exhibitions annually to showcase its latest developments. This year, he chose Zhengzhou as his top destination. If conditions allow, the company plans to establish an office in Henan. "The company’s headquarters is very optimistic about the emerging markets in Henan and the Midwest," said Ms. Li, regional manager of Guangye Precision Machinery Co., Ltd.
Many exhibitors were making their first appearance in Henan, but all agreed that the region represents a promising market. Compared to the eastern parts of the province, the central and western regions are seen as emerging hubs with great potential for growth.
According to Sun Baozhong of Zhengbao Sun Machine Equipment Co., Ltd., Zhengzhou has a sewing equipment capacity of between 300 and 400 million yuan. He emphasized that in the age of industrialized production, garment companies without advanced machinery cannot compete effectively.
This view was echoed by local apparel companies. Data from the Zhengzhou Garment Association revealed that in 2004, annual sales of sewing equipment in Zhengzhou were around 70 million yuan, but this year’s demand is estimated between 300 and 400 million yuan. Several well-known brands, including Jack, Gems, and Zhongjie, have achieved 100% sales growth in the Henan market in recent years.
Chen Yongbin, chairman of Henan Lingxiu Apparel Co., Ltd., noted that while Henan may not be the largest market for sewing equipment, it is certainly the one with the fastest growth, averaging over 30% annual increase. Such rapid expansion signals huge market potential.
That's why global players like Standard, Zhongzui, Dukespu, Toyama, Eastman, Japan Heavy Machinery, and others are increasingly focusing on the Henan market. Many companies have been actively reaching out to local garment enterprises, seeking partnerships and new opportunities.
Looking back, the director of the provincial garment association remarked that five years ago, such an exhibition wouldn’t have attracted so many international sewing equipment companies. The past five years have seen a remarkable rise in Zhengzhou’s clothing enterprises, especially in women’s trousers, drawing attention from upstream and downstream industries.
Liu Wumin, general manager of Zhengzhou Dalu Exhibition Co., Ltd., confirmed that the exhibition announcement generated widespread interest. Companies from eight provinces and cities, including Anhui, Chongqing, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Hebei, Shandong, and Hubei, sent representatives to attend.
In 2009, Fuyang in Henan became a pilot for the transfer of the coastal clothing industry. Since then, the shift of manufacturing to Henan has accelerated significantly. Even industry giant Shanshan has invested heavily in building a garment industry park in Zhengzhou.
Government support for large-scale garment industrial parks across Henan, including Zhengzhou, has further boosted business opportunities for companies throughout the supply chain.
Another sign of change is the shift in fabric sourcing. High-quality fabrics used in Zhengzhou pants previously came mainly from Guangdong and Zhejiang. Before 2005, new fabric developments were first supplied to Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Fujian, forcing Zhengzhou’s garment companies to rely on these sources.
"Back then, we had to use rayon fabrics because that's what was available," said Zhao Sunli, chairman of Zhengzhou Ya Lida Garment Co., Ltd. But after 2005, as Zhengzhou’s trousers gained national recognition, fabric suppliers began prioritizing the city.
By 2007, Zhengzhou had captured half of the country’s female pants production. This strength forced companies to rethink their strategies. For instance, Zhengzhou-based garment companies, limited by material availability, used to focus on seasonal products. Now, they are requesting fabric suppliers to provide materials for two seasons in advance.
Song Ruiping, chief designer at Henan Wind Flag, has experienced this firsthand. Over the years, she has worked on projects involving young women’s trousers across multiple provinces. Many fabric suppliers now approach her directly, offering free samples in hopes of collaboration.
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