Australia’s Largest Apparel and Textiles Sourcing Event Returns to Sydney – 25 Years of Global Connections - China Clothing Textiles & Accessories Expo

Australia’s Largest Apparel and Textiles Sourcing Event Returns to Sydney – 25 Years of Global Connections

Sydney, Australia – May 2025

China Clothing Textiles & Accessories Expo
🗓 June 17–19, 2025
📍 ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour
🎟 Free to attend – trade only

Celebrating a major milestone, the China Clothing Textiles & Accessories Expo marks its 25th anniversary in 2025, cementing its status as Australia’s largest and most influential sourcing event for the apparel, fashion, footwear and textile sectors.

This free, trade-only event takes place at ICC Sydney from June 17–19, attracting over 5,000 fashion professionals per event, and brings together more than 450 exhibitors from China, and hundreds of international suppliers from around the globe, many of whom produce for leading global fashion houses and understand the nuanced needs of the Australian market. Co-located with the Global Sourcing Expo, it forms a sourcing superhub that is unmatched in scale, diversity, and innovation.

Why the Expo Matters in 2025

As the fashion and textile supply chain evolves at record speed, driven by digital innovation, automation, and sustainability imperatives, having strong, adaptable supplier connections has never been more critical. The Expo answers this call, delivering face-to-face access to manufacturers who offer low MOQs, short lead times, and cutting-edge fabric technologies.

The Expo not only provides direct access to international manufacturers, agents and suppliers but also enables attendees to explore key fashion and manufacturing trends, evaluate supply chain opportunities, and build strategic relationships. For many Chinese suppliers, Australia represents an increasingly important market — not just for its quality-conscious consumer base, but for the growing alignment in fashion sensibilities.

“While Australians have traditionally favoured practical, nature-inspired fashion with natural fibres and minimalist design, we are now seeing a noticeable blend of European and American influences,” said Mr Hong, a representative from the event organiser China Chamber of Commerce for Textiles “This shift is driven by cultural affinity, globalised e-commerce, and the strong influence of sports and wellness trends like yoga.”

With changing global trade dynamics, the event also offers Australian buyers enhanced negotiating potential. “While US tariffs on Chinese garments have affected some exports, they have also encouraged Chinese companies to diversify and strengthen ties with partners in regions like Australia,” Mr Hong explained. “Thanks to the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement and RCEP, many Chinese suppliers are more open to flexible MOQ models, responsive logistics, and collaborative development—especially with Australian partners who prioritise quality and innovation.”

Exhibitors span China’s powerhouse textile hubs, including:

Dongguan (technical sportswear)
Guangzhou (trend-led womenswear)
Shaoxing (premium linen)
Jinjiang (swimwear)
Nantong (home textiles)

Many return annually with proven track records in servicing Australian brands, while a wave of new exhibitors are joining in 2025, attracted by low-to-zero import tariffs, strong retail growth, and Australia’s strategic position in the Indo-Pacific sourcing ecosystem.

Exhibitors are not just bringing products, but solutions. “Many companies today focus on sustainable materials like bamboo fibre and biodegradable fabrics, eco-conscious production processes like zero-waste cutting and energy-saving dyeing, and functional textiles with antibacterial or moisture-wicking properties,” Shen said. “They’re also integrating digital tools, such as AI-aided design, to streamline development and offer hundreds of design options per day.”

What’s On Show: Five Vertical Categories

Clothing – PPE, fashion, casual, women’s, men’s, children’s, workwear, performance wear
Fabrics & Textiles – organic, recycled, functional, and advanced blends
Accessories – jewellery, trims, belts, headwear, gloves, scarves and hats
Footwear & Bags – trend-driven and technical production
Home & Lifestyle – décor, soft furnishings, homewares

Industry Seminars & Panels – Education that Inspires Action

The 2025 Seminar Series, facilitated by the Global Sourcing Expo, will give attendees cutting-edge insights on everything from the new sourcing landscape (especially in light of the new tariffs) eco-conscious production to AI in fashion marketing, new sourcing markets, and the future of digital retail.

Highlights include:

Trends: The Fall 2025 Show Season – Bridget Veals, Executive General Manager Womenswear, Footwear and Accessories at David Jones
eCommerce with Purpose – Olivia Carr (SHHH SILK) on creating mission-driven brands
Communicating Sustainability – Dr. Rachel Lamarche-Beauchesne on building trust through transparency
Future-Ready Marketing with AI – Jenn Donovan demystifies AI for fashion brands
The Rise of B Corp – Rosanna Iacono explains why brands are rushing to certify
From Waste to Worth – Nehal Jain & Yesha Patel on circular fashion strategies
Cost-Saving Through Sustainability – Anaita Sarkar on how going green can boost margins
The New Sourcing Landscape – Neale O’Connor explores alternative regions and risk mitigation

🎟 Seminars are $40 + GST per session. Registration is essential.

Who Should Attend

Whether you’re an established brand, a design startup, or a sourcing professional, the Expo gives you unmatched access to global manufacturers, trend insights, and sourcing intelligence:

Buyers – Discover reliable, cost-effective suppliers under one roof
Designers – Explore innovative materials and production techniques
Emerging Professionals – Connect with industry leaders and potential employers

The event sees regular return visitation from leading industry magnates including PE Nation, Camilla & Marc, Zimmermann, Mecca, Country Road, Cotton On, Elk, Kookai, and Adairs—all citing the Expo as a strategic sourcing destination.

A Legacy of Leadership

China’s role in the textile industry dates back centuries—from Silk Road beginnings to its current leadership in tech-integrated production, automated manufacturing, and R&D-led design. CCTAE showcases this evolution and keeps Australian professionals at the forefront of global innovation.

With shifting international alliances and a rise in Asia-Pacific sourcing, Australia is becoming a more critical trade partner. For local brands, that makes this expo an essential stop in future-proofing operations.

Dispelling common myths about production in China will also be central to the Expo’s mission. “It’s a misconception that Chinese factories don’t accept small orders or have long lead times,” Shen stated. “In fact, flexible supply chains now support fast-turnaround orders of 50–100 units, often delivered in under a week. Quality control, even for overseas shipments, is maintained through rigorous systems, with trained staff and oversight from Chinese headquarters.”

To make the most of the event, Shen recommends visitors plan ahead. “Visit the website to review exhibitor profiles and mark your favourites. On-site, take the time to visit every booth—you might find your ideal partner just around the corner.”

Media are invited to attend. Please contact us for accreditation.

🎫 Free registration: https://www.chinatextiles.com.au/free-registration/
🎟 Seminar bookings: https://www.chinatextiles.com.au/global-sourcing-seminar-series/
📍 More info: https://www.chinatextiles.com.au