Intertextile Shanghai split into two specialised trade fairs: one for apparel fabrics and one for home textiles. The international apparel manufacture and supply industry will have its very own dedicated trade event in Shanghai from 2004.

    Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics will focus entirely on garment fabrics and accessories, and will take place over four days from 26-29 October 2004 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. This is one day longer than the usual three-day run.

    The extra day has been added in response to demand from the buyers, who need more time to cover the ever expanding event. Because of the massive growth in the event ?there were over 1,200 exhibitors in 2003 ?and the differentiation in the buying seasons between textiles for homes and for garments, the organisers have made the decision to split the former event of Intertextile Shanghai into two separate, specialised fairs from 2004 onwards.

    Relaxed trading regulations and a steady rise in the Chinese national economy have led to a boom in garment manufacturing. Official statistics from the Chinese customs department value exports of apparel and accessories from Jan-Sept 2003 at US$37 billion. The industry shows no signs of slowing.