From a mass production textile supplier, Taiwan’s textile industry has evolved to become a textile innovator equipped with a comprehensive yet integrated value. The country plays a leading role in the development of functional and sustainable fabrics for sportswear.

Since 2016, the textile industry in Taiwan has remained a strategically important sector contributing to the country’s economic development. The nation is home to around 4,300 textiles and clothing factories that employ more than 140,000 people. With a strong focus on exports, the industry offers a complete supply chain covering upstream, midstream, and downstream manufacturing.

The presence of strong petrochemical industry has helped Taiwan in manufacturing man-made synthetic fibres locally, in lower costs and with shorter lead times. Man-made fibres have also been a key reason for Taiwan to develop its innovative abilities.

Taiwan’s economy is driven by technology and knowledge-intensive industries, with the focus on moving up the value-added and innovation chain. In the realm of fashion and sport industries, Taiwan has turned to high added-value textiles through innovation, investment in R&D, branding, vertical integration, and technical textiles.

Taiwan’s functional fabrics account for 70 per cent of the global market, backed by several internationally renowned brands. Taiwan leads the world in earth-friendly innovations, sustainability, and continuous quality improvement. Functional fabrics provide high stretch with great fit, shape, super lightweight, breathability, wicking, anti-bacterial, and odour management properties to offer maximum comfort and boost performance.

In addition, world class polymer development by many large vertical companies has kept Taiwan ahead of the curve. Leading brands which source from Taiwan include The North Face (outerwear), Under Armour (sportswear), Lululemon (yogawear) among many others. Companies like Patagonia, dedicated to improving the environment, have made Taiwan a primary source for textiles and development initiatives.

Government Support

Taiwanese government bodies had realised early the importance and the strong export-oriented nature of their textile industry. So, they took all the necessary measures in time to counter the increasing competitive pressure from developing countries.

What did they do?

• Offered various financial incentives to promote an investment-friendly environment

• Strongly supported small and medium-sized enterprises through preferential loans, access to raw materials, and a progressive shift towards capital-intensive manufacturing

• Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) introduced several measures to encourage textile firms for technological upgrading and innovation.

Also, to make sure that the vision was adhered to and followed, the MOEA set up two important institutions:

• Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF) – offering services such as market development, organising trade shows, analysis of market information, and the certification of Taiwan functional textiles.

• Taiwan Textile Research Institute (TTRI) – offering services such as R&D help, technical guidance, talent training, testing and certification services, as well as industrial services for the less developed Taiwanese counties.

Taiwanese government bodies have over a period strongly promoted eco-friendly and socially responsible manufacturing, making Taiwan a benchmark for functional fabrics and sportswear.

Industry Satistics

Clients

The Future

The global sportswear market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.27 per cent, from $200.01 billion in 2021 to $298.78 billion in 2030 considering that consumers are increasingly incorporating sports and fitness activities into their everyday routines due to health reasons and an increasing self-consciousness towards improving their lifestyles.

With no immediate competition to the innovative and technologically driven industry, Taiwan is all set to continue retaining its key position in sportswear fabrics and remain the favourite sourcing destination for brands. It is one of the few countries in a position to be the world leader in functional textile innovation and also be the epicenter of sustainable textile manufacturing. A campaign promoting its functional and eco-friendly textiles would further cement its position.