Growing Demand for Industrial Textiles in South Asia Presents Opportunities for Chinese Composite Material Exports

In the first half of 2026, rapid development in infrastructure, logistics, and manufacturing across Southeast Asia drove sustained growth in demand for industrial textiles. According to customs data, China’s exports of industrial textiles to Southeast Asian countries increased by 8.7% year-over-year during the first half of the year, with products such as polypropylene composite fabrics, geosynthetics, and packaging fabrics leading the growth.

Southeast Asia’s domestic production capacity for industrial textiles is relatively limited, with high-end composite materials primarily reliant on imports; moreover, demand for cost-effective, recyclable, and eco-friendly materials is rising rapidly. Leveraging its comprehensive industrial chain and cost and technological advantages, China has become the primary source of materials for the Southeast Asian market. Industry experts suggest that domestic material companies should capitalize on the advantages of regional economic and trade cooperation to deepen their presence in the Southeast Asian market, develop product specifications tailored to local needs, and expand their growth potential in overseas markets.