To assist Taiwanese textile industry players in seizing opportunities in the American market, the Textile Export Promotion Association (紡拓會) organized a delegation of 6 Taiwanese manufacturers to participate in the Texworld NYC Winter Exhibition in New York from January 21st to 23rd, with the support of the International Trade Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The delegation showcased a diverse range of products including knitted fabrics, woven fabrics, embroidery, lace accessories, and more to numerous international buyers and suppliers. However, with President Trump back in office, potential tariff policies have become one of the variables in their operations, prompting Taiwanese businesses to cautiously monitor changes in the future trade environment.
The New York Textile and Accessories Exhibition is a prestigious textile and apparel exhibition in North America, serving as a major platform for global top-tier textile and apparel industry players. It is also a must-visit procurement destination for brand buyers on the East Coast of the United States. The Taiwanese delegation at the exhibition included 6 manufacturers such as Bodi, Yiqun, Guangrong, Dazheng Embroidery, Nanwei, and Hongyuan.
Wu Xinyu, the Commissioner of the Market Development Department of the Textile Export Promotion Association, stated in an interview on the 21st that the Taiwanese exhibitors at this event primarily focused on functional fabrics, including knitted and woven fabrics, as well as embroidery and arm patches. Taiwan possesses a technical advantage in nylon and chemical fiber dyeing processes, which is crucial for its core competitiveness in the international market.
Furthermore, the “Move to Wear” functional fabric zone set up specifically at the exhibition attracted significant attention from fashion brands, indicating a high demand in the market for the integration of functionality with fashionable designs.
However, exhibitors are facing not only technical and market challenges but also the potential rewriting of global trade rules.
The Trump administration had implemented high tariffs on Chinese products from 2018 to 2020, forcing a reshuffling of the global supply chain. Now, there is widespread speculation that Trump may resume his tough policies towards China or expand tariffs to other countries, further squeezing the flexibility of the textile industry’s supply chain.
A Chinese textile industry player, who requested anonymity on the 21st, revealed that their company maintains market competitiveness by utilizing tax-free agreements between the US and some countries. However, the effectiveness of this strategy still depends on whether Trump adjusts tariff policies towards these countries. “We can only wait and see for the policy details before deciding on the next strategic layout.” ◇