China's Sewing Machinery Industry: 2024 Economic Performance Review and 2025 Outlook

2024 Economic Performance Overview

(1) Recovery-Driven Growth with Surging Industry Sentiment
In 2024, China's sewing machinery industry demonstrated a restorative growth trajectory. The Business Climate Index surged from the contraction zone into overheated territory (Figure 1), subsequently oscillating between overheated and stable thresholds. The sector exhibited a development pattern characterized by steady progress with sustained upward momentum.

   (Figure 1) Fluctuation Analysis of the Composite Business Climate Index in China's Sewing Machinery Industry, Nov. 2023–Dec. 2024

(2) The efficiency has been significantly improved, and the quality and efficiency have been steadily restored
In 2024, the scale of production and sales of the industry will rebound rapidly, driving the quality and efficiency of enterprises to improve significantly; The loss area of the industry has further narrowed, and the operating efficiency of enterprises has been actively improved. According to the data of the National Bureau of Statistics (Figure 2), in 2024, 275 enterprises in the industry will achieve operating income of 31.611 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 19.04%; the total profit was 1.748 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 76.72%; The operating income margin was 5.53%, a significant increase of 2.1 percentage points over the previous year.

                                      （Figure 2) The operation of enterprises above the industry regulations in 2024

(3) Medium-speed growth in production, strong demand for automatic machine

In 2024, the overall production in the industry demonstrated a restorative, moderate growth trend. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (Figure 3), the cumulative industrial added value growth rate of large-scale production enterprises in China's sewing machinery industry reached 6.3%, indicating a rapid recovery in production and a relatively strong rebound. Looking at the cumulative growth rate of the industry's monthly industrial added value, the indicator showed a development trend throughout the year with lower values at the beginning and end of the year and higher values in the middle.

                   Figure 3: Monthly Cumulative Growth Rate of Industrial Added Value for Large-Scale Enterprises in the Industry in 2024

According to preliminary estimates, the industry produced a total of approximately 11.55 million units of household and industrial sewing equipment (excluding pre-sewing and post-sewing processes) in 2024, representing a year-on-year increase of 24%.

1. Industrial Sewing Machines:

In 2024, the total production of industrial sewing machines in the industry was approximately 6.85 million units, representing a year-on-year increase of 22.32% (Figure 4). According to statistics from the association, over 100 leading machine manufacturers collectively produced 5.14 million industrial sewing machines, marking a year-on-year growth of 15.41%. Among these, conventional models such as computerized flatbed machines, overlock machines, coverstitch machines, heavy-duty machines, and embroidery machines all showed moderate double-digit growth. Meanwhile, pattern machines, template machines, and automated sewing units experienced medium-to-high growth rates exceeding 30%. The industry's inventory of industrial machines stood at around 800,000 units, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 6.74%.

                                  (Figure 4) Changes in the annual output of industrial sewing equipment in China from 2011 to 2024

2. Household sewing machines:

In 2024, the output of household sewing machines in China will be about 4.7 million units, a year-on-year increase of 25.33%. Among them, the output of ordinary household machines was about 2.3 million units, a year-on-year increase of 24.32%; The output of multi-functional home machines was about 2.4 million units, a year-on-year increase of 26.32% (Figure 5)

                                 (Figure 5) Changes in the annual output of household sewing machines in China from 2015 to 2024 (estimated)

3. Pre- and post-sewing equipment:

According to the statistics of the association, 11 pre-sewing and post-sewing equipment enterprises show that in 2024, a total of 640,000 sets of various types of pre-sewing and post-sewing equipment (including automatic cutting machines, cloth pulling machines, cutting machines, ironing equipment, etc.) will be produced, a year-on-year increase of 10.49%.
4. Parts:

Judging from the research situation and statistical calculations, the production of parts and components enterprises in the industry will generally increase by about 20-30% in 2024.

(4) Domestic demand has shown a significant rebound, with sales experiencing a high start followed by a lower finish.

Preliminary estimates indicate that the total domestic sales of industrial sewing equipment in China for 2024 will be approximately 2.35 million units, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 27% ( Figure 6).

                                   (Figure 6): Domestic Sales and Year-on-Year Comparison of Industrial Sewing Machines from 2011 to 2024

According to customs data (Figure 7), in 2024, the cumulative import value of China's sewing machinery products reached $426 million, a year-on-year decrease of 54.19%. This significant reduction in import value for various pre- and post-sewing equipment is primarily attributed to the large-scale replacement of imported products by domestically manufactured intelligent equipment such as cutting tables and hanging systems.

                                                              Figure 7: Annual Changes in Import Value of Sewing Machinery Products in China

(5) Steady Recovery in Exports, Strong Growth in Key Markets

In 2024, demand in certain regions such as South Asia, ASEAN, Africa, and Latin America showed signs of recovery. The production and export of footwear and apparel in key overseas markets generally achieved restorative growth, effectively driving a steady rebound in the export of China's sewing machinery products.

1. Exports Operate at High Levels, with Comprehensive Growth Across Major Product Categories

According to data from the General Administration of Customs (Figure 8), China's cumulative export value of sewing machinery products in 2024 reached $3.424 billion, a year-on-year increase of 18.39%. The export value returned to near the high levels of 2022. The industry's average monthly export value reached $285 million/month, an increase of $44 million/month compared to the previous year.

                                                        Figure 8: Annual Export Value Changes of China's Sewing Machinery Products

From the perspective of product categories (Table 1), the export of various types of sewing machinery in China in 2024 showed a year-on-year growth trend.

                                Table 1: Export of Sewing Machinery by Product Category in China, 2024 (Unit: units, kilograms, USD, %)

From the perspective of export prices (Table 2), the average export prices of China's industrial sewing machines and embroidery machines showed a year-on-year increase in 2024, while the average export prices of household machines and pre- and post-sewing equipment experienced a slight decline.

                                        Table 2: Average Export Prices of Sewing Machinery Products in China in 2024 (Unit: USD/Unit, %)

2. Market Polarization, with Strong Growth in Regional Markets

From the perspective of export markets by continent (Table 3), in 2024, China's exports to three key markets—Asia, Africa, and Latin America—all showed double-digit year-on-year growth. In contrast, exports to Europe, North America, and Oceania experienced varying degrees of decline.

                                   Table 3: Export Situation of China's Sewing Machinery by Continent in 2024 (Unit: USD/Unit, %)

From the perspective of major export regional markets (Figure 9), in 2024, China's exports to the "Belt and Road" market reached $2.393 billion, a year-on-year increase of 26.95%; exports to the RCEP market amounted to $1.029 billion, up 40.90% year-on-year; exports to the South Asian market were $913 million, rising by 44.31%; exports to the ASEAN market stood at $903 million, increasing by 53.43%; exports to the West Asian market were $249 million, a decrease of 12.86%; exports to the EU market totaled $138 million, down 23.71%; exports to the East Asian market were $110 million, a decline of 11.85%; and exports to the Central Asian market were $97.37 million, dropping by 31.68%.

                                           Figure 9: Overview of Major Export Markets for China's Sewing Machinery in 2024

From the perspective of exporting countries (Table 4, Figure 10), among the 207 countries and regions to which China's sewing machinery products were exported in 2024, nearly 60% of the markets showed a year-on-year increase in export value. The top six export markets for the industry (India, Vietnam, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Indonesia) all experienced a significant year-on-year growth of over 30% in export value. Among the top 20 export markets, 13 markets showed a positive year-on-year growth in export value, with 11 of these markets achieving a growth rate of over 30%. One market, Pakistan, saw its export value more than double year-on-year.

                                    Table 4: Main Export Markets for China's Sewing Machinery Products in 2024 (Unit: USD, %)

                                      Figure 10: Year-on-Year Growth of Export Value of China's Sewing Machinery Products in Major Markets in 2024

Outlook on Development Trends for 2025

In 2025, China's sewing machinery industry will maintain a relatively stable development momentum while also facing numerous challenges.

(I) Industry Situation

1. Development Opportunities
(1)External Conditions Continue to Improve. Global inflationary pressures are expected to ease further, and the benefits of interest rate cuts are gradually being transmitted to the real economy.
(2) Transfer and Upgrading of the Footwear and Apparel Industry.The relocation and upgrading of downstream industries are becoming the two main drivers of sustained growth in the sewing equipment sector.
(3) Positive Trends in Key Downstream Markets. Domestically, the footwear and apparel industry will focus on transformation and upgrading, moving towards branding, premiumization, and green development. Internationally, positive trends in key markets continue, creating opportunities for the expansion of China's sewing equipment exports.

2. Challenges
(1) Intensified Geopolitical and Trade Protection Challenges.Currently, the Russia-Ukraine conflict shows no signs of ending in the short term, while U.S.-China rivalry and trade wars are escalating, with trade protectionism rapidly rising. U.S. tariff policies may impact the global economy.
(2) Shrinking Domestic Sales and Accelerated Competitive Landscape Adjustment.In recent years, China's footwear and apparel exports to Europe and the U.S. have gradually declined, and the scale of garment processing has slowed down annually. Domestically, the fast fashion sector has stalled, luxury goods are receding, and the apparel industry is experiencing sluggish growth. The influx of second-hand sewing equipment has saturated the domestic market, leading the industry into a new phase of adjustment and reshuffling dominated by competition among leading brands.

(II) Industry Development Outlook
2025 marks the conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan and a critical period for preparing the 15th Five-Year Plan. China's sewing machinery industry should maintain strategic focus, adhere to steady progress, and actively build new growth models. The outlook is as follows:

1. Slowing Domestic Sales. 

For the full year, domestic demand for sewing equipment is expected to show a moderate to low-speed decline compared to the previous year. Demand for conventional products like flatbed and overlock machines is expected to drop significantly, while specialized and automated equipment will remain stable or see slight growth.

2. Moderate Growth in Foreign Trade. 

The industry's foreign trade is expected to continue its recovery, maintaining moderate growth, with export volumes likely to reach new highs. Single machines will remain the mainstay of exports, while automated and specialized products will continue to grow.

3. Economic Stabilization Amid Slowdown.

 Overall, due to the significant decline in domestic demand, the sewing machinery industry faces considerable downward pressure. However, with the continuous release of internal growth drivers, the economy is expected to stabilize gradually or show slight fluctuations over the year.

4. Divergence in Industry Growth.

 From the perspective of enterprise development, due to differences in business models, strategic positioning, channel development, brand influence, market segmentation, and professional fields, companies will continue to show varying levels of growth potential and performance. From a product perspective, different categories will experience divergent market growth trends based on market penetration, technological forms, and application potential.