Chemical fiber textile "industrial kingdom" Xiaoshan transformation and upgrading

When it comes to the chemical fiber textile industry, Xiaoshan can truly be called a "kingdom of industrial textiles" — home to the world's largest base for chemical fiber production, weaving, and one of the first "Chinese Textile Industry Bases" recognized by the China Textile Industry Association. Today, Xiaoshan's chemical fiber textile industry, as a leading force in the sector, has gone through a series of industrial restructurings and adjustments, showcasing a remarkable transformation from being a major player to a strong and sustainable industry. However, this growth hasn't come without challenges. With over 1,300 chemical fiber textile enterprises, an annual output value exceeding 160 billion yuan, and a chemical fiber production capacity of 4.2 million tons — accounting for around 15% of the national total — the region has built a comprehensive and unique industrial chain spanning raw materials, weaving, printing and dyeing, clothing, knitting, warp knitting, embroidery, and home textiles. The industry has also made significant progress through continuous equipment upgrades and technological innovation. It now features state-of-the-art machinery and advanced processes in key segments such as PTA, polyester, spandex, and viscose. The weaving sector has adopted shuttleless looms, while finishing and related industries have introduced world-class equipment, with 80% of finishing machines being imported from abroad. As a benchmark for China’s chemical fiber industry, Xiaoshan's textile sector outperforms the national average in profitability, return on total assets, and return on equity. Yet, despite its impressive scale, the industry has faced unprecedented challenges in recent years due to rapid expansion and overconsumption. These issues have become a major bottleneck, slowing down further development and prompting the need for more sustainable growth strategies.