The textile sector of the Hong Kong fashion industry had 446 manufacturing establishments with 2,569 workers in total till March 2017, covering the spinning, weaving, knitting and finishing sectors1. After a decline of 13% in 2016, Hong Kong’s textile export decreased further by 7% in the first five months in 20172. Re-exports has been dominating with more than 99% of the total exports of textile goods. The majority of the textile sector focuses on a high value added section of the supply chain, including retailing and marketing, design and product development and quality control, with manufacturing almost totally depends on offshore factories. More and more Hong Kong’s manufacturers relocate their factories to Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and Bangladesh, due to higher labor costs, stringent environmental regulations and the recent uncertainty of US trading in the Mainland China.

The clothing sector of the local fashion industry, the fourth largest manufacturing employer in Hong Kong, had 657 establishments and 4,763 workers till March 20173. Hong Kong’s total export of clothing dropped by 10% year-on-year in the first five months of 2017, after a 15% decline in 20164. Hong Kong’s clothing manufacturers have good competence in sourcing and products, and the exporters have good knowledge of international and national rules and regulations. Some of the local manufacturers have established their brands and run retailing business globally. Besides, Hong Kong, as a global sourcing hub in Asia, also attracts international trading houses, major retailers and premium designer labels to conduct their sourcing activities.

  1. http://hong-kong-economy-research.hktdc.com/business-news/article/Hong-Kong-Industry-Profiles/Textiles-Industry-in-Hong-Kong/hkip/en/1/1X000000/1X0040EM.htm [29-08-2018]
  2. https://www.textiletoday.com.bd/hong-kongs-declining-textile-clothing-business-revitalized/ [29-08-2018]
  3. https://www.fashionatingworld.com/new1-2/tough-times-for-hong-kong-clothing-sector-with-global-competition [29-08-2018]
  4. https://www.textiletoday.com.bd/hong-kongs-declining-textile-clothing-business-revitalized/ [31-08-2018]