The exhibitors were met at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) by over 100,000 visitors (2023: 95,000) from 115 countries and regions, with this edition’s 29% rise in international buyers marking back-to-back increases after overseas visitors doubled in spring. There was also a 15% increase in visitors attending for two or more days. Beyond Autumn / Winter 2025-26 sourcing, fairgoers were able to network and discover new trends, digital innovation and market insights at the fair’s expansive fringe programme.

Moving with the times for 30 years

Speaking at the fair’s close, Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, said: “We have been eager to communicate that while Intertextile may be the world’s largest sourcing hub for apparel textiles, it is so much more than that. Industry players from all over the world come here seeking inspiration and innovation for the constantly evolving textile market. For 30 years, this fair has grown and stayed relevant by consistently moving with the times – hence the launch of our new Econogy Hub and Digital Solutions Zone, and an expanded fringe programme that featured leading experts discussing everything from testing compliance to generative AI’s role in textile design. These kinds of insights are key for companies looking to operate successfully in a sustainable, technology-driven future.”

The highlights of the 2024 Autumn Edition

Across the 240,000 sqm exhibition space, highlights included the debuts of the Malaysia and Uzbekistan Pavilions. Among the seven returning pavilions from Asia and Europe, the Japan Pavilion made its 21st appearance, Milano Unica featured for the 20th time, and the Korea and Taiwan Pavilions celebrated over 25 years at the show.

The fair’s new Digital Solutions Zone contained industry-leading knitting machinery, design systems and software, various AI solutions, and more. With other sustainable suppliers spread throughout the fairground, Econogy Hub, the rebrand of the fair’s longstanding All About Sustainability zone, included 36 exhibitors, three display zones and ecoBoutique. Meanwhile, the latest accessories, denim, fabric designs, functional fabrics, premium wool and more were displayed in the fair’s various product zones.

Comprehensive program on trend topics

Of the 30th anniversary edition’s more than 50 fringe events, 25 were sustainability-focused with 14 under the Econogy Talks umbrella, which has been a major focus for the organisers as Messe Frankfurt extends its Texpertise Econogy concept worldwide. In addition, there were two guided Econogy Tours of exhibitors who passed the independent sustainability verification, while Econogy Finder allowed buyers to easily discover the fair’s eco-focused suppliers.

Within the fringe programme, other overarching topics included global and regional market insights, including a panel discussion organised by AFTEX on textile investment opportunities in the ASEAN region; digital innovations, featuring seminars from Avery Dennison, Shima Seiki, Symmpix, and more; and various theme and trend discussions from the likes of Pantone and WGSN related to upcoming fashion seasons.

• The next Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition will be held from 2 – 4 September 2025.

Other upcoming shows:

• Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies, 26 – 28 February, 2025, Ho Chi Minh City

• Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition / Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition / Yarn Expo Spring, 11 – 13 March, 2025, Shanghai

• Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics / Yarn Expo Shenzhen, 11 – 13 June, 2024, Shenzhen (Futian)

• Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition / Yarn Expo Autumn, 2 – 4 September, 2024, Shanghai