China and India have been key destinations for Swiss textile machinery for decades. Both countries have extensive textile manufacturing capacities, large domestic markets and significant positions in international textile trade. However, their industrial structures, raw material bases and market dynamics differ considerably, creating distinct requirements and opportunities for Swiss suppliers of machinery, components and services.

Many Swiss textile machinery manufacturers have established a strong local presence in both markets through production facilities, sales and service organisations, reflecting their long-term commitment to the region.

Cornelia Buchwalder, Secretary General of Swiss Textile Machinery, explains: “China and India are both key markets for our industry, but their industrial environments differ notably. The structure of textile production, the availability of raw materials and the importance of domestic demand all influence their investment priorities. Understanding these differences is essential for our member companies to offer technologies that meet the specific requirements of each market.”

China: Technological advancement and strong competition

China is by far the world's largest textile manufacturing country, with an extensive and highly integrated value chain covering virtually every stage of textile production. It is also the world's leading exporter of textiles and apparel, while its substantial domestic market generates significant additional demand.

The country's position in man-made fibres is particularly strong, with chemical fibre production reaching approximately 87 million tonnes in 2025. At the same time, China remains a major cotton producer and processor.

Exports continue to play a central role in the Chinese textile industry. Chinese textile machinery manufacturers have also made considerable technological progress, creating an increasingly competitive environment for international suppliers.

For Swiss companies, opportunities lie particularly in advanced production technologies, automation, digital connectivity, precise process control and resource efficiency. As textile manufacturers seek to improve productivity and maintain consistent quality, specialised solutions continue to play an important role.

India: Traditional strengths and expanding opportunities

India's textile industry has traditionally been closely linked to cotton. The country is one of the world's largest cotton producers and has extensive spinning, weaving and garment manufacturing capacities.

At the same time, man-made fibres, technical textiles and more advanced production and finishing processes are gaining importance.

India's growing domestic market is a significant driver of development. Rising incomes and a young population support textile consumption, while government initiatives aim to strengthen manufacturing capacities, modernise production and increase textile exports.

These developments create demand for machinery and technologies across the textile value chain. Modernisation of existing facilities, investments in additional production capacities, reliable quality control and more efficient use of energy and water are among the priorities.

The Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement between the EFTA states and India, which entered into force in October 2025, provides further support by improving the framework conditions for Swiss industrial suppliers.

Swiss technology responding to different market requirements

Swiss Textile Machinery member companies offer machinery, components and services covering the entire textile value chain, from fibre preparation and spinning to weaving, knitting, embroidery, finishing and quality control.

They have contributed to the development of both textile industries over many decades. Beyond supplying technology, Swiss companies have established local operations, provided technical expertise and supported training and knowledge transfer.

Buchwalder emphasises the importance of close customer relationships: “Our industry has built long-standing relationships with textile manufacturers in both countries. Today, innovation is increasingly driven by close cooperation with customers and a detailed understanding of their production processes. Swiss companies combine engineering expertise with specialised textile knowledge, enabling them to develop solutions that improve efficiency, reliability and product quality.”

Two major exhibitions underline the importance of Asian markets

The significance of both markets is reflected in the international exhibition calendar. ITMA Asia + CITME will take place in Shanghai from 20 to 24 November 2026, followed shortly afterwards by India ITME in Greater Noida from 4 to 9 December 2026.

Around 20 Swiss Textile Machinery member companies will be exhibiting at each event, presenting technologies and solutions for different stages of textile production.

Despite geopolitical uncertainties, trade barriers and cautious investment decisions, the long-term outlook remains constructive. China and India will continue to shape the development of the global textile industry, each with its own priorities and challenges.

The upcoming exhibitions will provide Swiss textile machinery manufacturers with opportunities to assess investment priorities, strengthen customer relationships and gain further insights into developments in both markets.