Three years since the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) took effect in January 2023, its trade-boosting impact on China's textile and apparel sector has become increasingly apparent. Cumulative textile exports to ASEAN have grown 35%, with deeper regional supply chain integration.
Impressive Trade Figures
China's textile and apparel exports to RCEP member nations reached $48.5 billion in 2025, accounting for 34% of total textile exports, up from 28% in 2022. Exports to ASEAN alone hit $31.2 billion, growing 12.8% year-on-year. Vietnam and Indonesia led the growth, with fabric exports to Vietnam reaching $6.8 billion (+18%) and to Indonesia $4.2 billion (+15%).
Tariff Benefits
RCEP tariff concessions have been a key driver. Polyester fabric tariffs to ASEAN have dropped from 5-12% to 0-5%, with cumulative duty savings exceeding 1.5 billion yuan over three years. The cumulative rules of origin have enabled deeper supply chain integration across the region.
Investment Flows
Chinese textile companies have invested over $8 billion in ASEAN over the past three years, expanding from simple manufacturing to upstream fabric weaving and dyeing operations, primarily in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia.