Taiwan fabric manufacturers can have edge in China market: Expert

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- With years of experience in the fashion industry, Deborah Peng, general manager of Fablead Consulting, analyzed the current marketing strategy in China, giving some advice to Taiwanese fabric manufacturers interested in expanding in the Chinese market. 

"Fabric manufacturers in Taiwan must set a clear merchandising plan," Peng said at the seminar on April 15. Chinese people, with more ubiquitous air conditioning now, need more mid-range clothing, such as knitwear, than before. Blended fabric is therefore an advantage for Taiwanese fabric suppliers, as Chinese suppliers are not good at producing this kind of textile.

Another strength of Taiwanese suppliers is that they enjoy stable quality when it comes to fabric production.

For the current condition of China's fashion industry, the lack of strict regulation leads to price wars in which fabric suppliers compete to win, she pointed out. Exclusive agents are on the loose. And the rise of "fast fashion" is hurrying the pace of the fashion industry.

To ensure the rights of Taiwanese fabric suppliers, Peng wants to cooperate with the Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF) to establish an industrial union, encouraging more manufacturers to enter the Chinese market.