Overview
Development in e-commerce and communication drives Singapore textile industry to greater heights
The Singapore textile industry has been around for a long time, and has developed from it’s humble beginnings as a clothing and garment manufacturer into one of the leading textiles markets in the Asia Pacific region. Coming in second only after Hong Kong, Singapore is considered an apparel and textile sourcing hub in the Asia Pacific region. Cotton fabric, technical textiles and non-woven fabrics make up the largest sectors in the Singapore textile industry.
Moreover, as South East Asia’s centre for communication and transportation, it comes as no surprise that this has accelerated the country’s e-commerce, which industries like textiles have benefited from. In addition, APAC was the largest region in the textile market in 2021. E-commerce not only proves more convenient but also helps manufacturers reach a larger consumer base geographically. In 2016, the Singapore apparel and textile industry was made up of approximately 5,000 companies comprising 500 manufacturers and 4,500 wholesalers and retailers.
Relocation of factories to other countries forces industry innovation and research
In recent years, a number of local businesses have moved their factories to lower-cost countries while still maintaining headquarters in Singapore. This has compelled the industry to dive deep into innovation and research to stay ahead of the game and help Singapore firms remain competitive.
Companies combine design, innovation and manufacturing to meet changing consumer demands and bring brand-new products to the market.
Key Trends
Pandemic hits Asia Pacific textile industry as region holds bulk of global market production
The COVID-19 pandemic had a massive impact on production and supply chains globally but especially in Asia, as a result of trade restrictions and lower consumption due to lockdowns.
However, the textiles market is expected to make a full recovery as borders are opening up again and because the industry decline was not due to a fundamental weakness in the market itself.
Asia Pacific textile sector experiences major growth thanks to changing consumer patterns etc.
The Asia Pacific textile industry has benefited from recent changes in customer consumption patterns, increases in population, disposable incomes, and demand for clothes and home furnishing products. High-value fabrics such as silk,viscose and hemp as well as blended varieties of fibre have seen a rise in demand as changes in consumer perspectives on comfortable and affordable clothing have helped provide a boost. Other popular materials in APAC include polyester and cotton.
In addition, home textiles are making their way up the popularity board as the demand for products such as blankets, kitchen cloths, carpets and bedsheets in Asia increased in 2021. Hence, the industry generated higher sales by exporting more of these items to meet the rising demand.
Sustainable and eco-friendly textiles take spotlight amidst rising environmental concerns
Increasing environmental and climate change concerns of consumers have compelled companies to take a more eco-friendly approach to manufacturing and developing their products. One way the industry has been meeting consumer demand is by producing recyclable clothing; companies use organic or biodegradable materials in manufacturing, which enables consumers to reuse the materials.
Some businesses choose to transport materials and products via sea travel instead of air travel to reduce carbon emissions, while others have switched from harmful chemicals to much safer alternatives during the manufacturing process.
Demand for technical textiles on the rise thanks to research and development
The Singapore technical textiles market is one of the fastest growing markets in the Asia Pacific region, accounting for 39% of the global market in 2014. Technical textiles include non-woven, medical textiles and protective apparel. The non-woven sector’s increase in demand in Singapore can be attributed to the country’s higher standard of living and rising middle class. Another contributor would be the increase in demand for convenience items such as disposable diapers and disposable wipes that are made from non-woven fabrics.
Some of the major factors driving the growth of technical textiles are an increase in the use of technical textiles in agriculture, hospitals’ and health centres’ increased demand for medical-grade masks, and the high demand for lightweight and fuel-efficient transportation vehicles. Furthermore, geotextiles have gained popularity for their uses vis-a-vis soil erosion and in the manufacturing process of various products.
Smart textiles make their way to the market supported by technological advances
Needless to say, with technological advancements come advancements in most industries and the textile industry is no exception. Smart textiles owe their strengthening popularity to wireless technologies and the rising demand for connectivity.
Smart textiles can interact with physical stimuli such as mechanical, electrical and thermal sources. The main components of the sector are fabrics, sensors and actuators. Metals, optical fibres and conductive polymers are some of the materials used in smart textiles. They can be seen used in the entertainment, military, sports and fitness, medical, transportation and fashion industries.
Key Statistics
- Singapore exported retail cotton yarn worth SGD 369,000 in 2020, becoming the 44th largest retail cotton yarn exporter. Singapore’s main export destinations are Brunei, Nigeria, the Netherlands, the Seychelles and Indonesia.
- Singapore imported SGD 780,000 worth of retail cotton yarn in 2020, becoming the 48th largest importer of retail cotton yarn. Primary imports are from Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Japan and France.
- The total textile manufacturing output in Singapore amounted to approximately USD 39 million in 2017.
- Valued at USD 530.97 billion in 2021, the global textiles market is expected to amount to USD 575.06 billion in 2022 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3% and is expected to reach USD 760.21 million in 2026 with a CAGR of 7.2%.
- In 2021, the Asia Pacific region represented more than 48% of the global textiles market’s revenue.
- Singapore exported SGD 1.4 billion worth of textiles in 2020, becoming the 50th largest textile exporter in the world with the11th most exported product in Singapore. Hong Kong, the United States and Bangladesh were the fastest growing export markets for Singapore between 2019 and 2020.
- Singapore recorded SGD 4.06 billion worth of imports in 2020, becoming the 38th largest textile importer in the world with the 11th most imported product in Singapore. Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, France and China were the fastest growing import markets for Singapore between 2019 and 2020.
Top Singapore MNCs in Textiles
SIMMONS (SOUTHEAST ASIA) PRIVATE LIMITED
Simmons (Southeast Asia) was incorporated in 1993. The company’s headquarters are in Georgia, USA. Simmons is a bedding company which operates stores across Myanmar, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. In Singapore, Simmons (Southeast Asia) offers various models of mattresses, as well as bed frames and accessories such as pillows, foundation boxes and mattress protectors. It has been honoured with The EXSA Award – the first mattress brand to win this award in the bedding industry. In addition, it has been recognized by Tatler Singapore as Best Bedding Store.
TARKETT FLOORING SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
Tarkett Flooring Singapore was incorporated in 2003. Headquartered in Paris, France, Tarkett offers flooring solutions. It operates over 100 stores across Asia, America and Europe. It is a provider of innovative commercial flooring and sports surface solutions that are designed to meet functional requirements across numerous markets such as healthcare, aged care, workplaces, education and more. Tarkett Flooring’s products include resilient flooring, carpet flooring, hard flooring and specific solutions such as wetroom system, safety floors, static control and wallcoverings. In addition, it provides accessories such as welding rods, underlayers and stair solutions.
NALLI PTE LTD
Nalli was incorporated in Singapore in 1990. Headquartered in Chennai, India, the company operates two stores in Singapore in addition to its stores across India, USA, Canada, UAE and the United Kingdom. Nalli is a textile and retail business and is recognized for its exquisite silk collection. It offers a variety of fabrics such as chiffon, jute, kora, soft silk and tussar. In addition, it provides sarees for any occasion and provides menswear such as dhoti, as well as wedding collections and more. Its customers are able to purchase its variety of products through its website with ease.
KVADRAT SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
Kvadrat Singapore was incorporated in 2011. Headquartered in Denmark, the company operates stores in many parts of the world including Asia, Australia, America, Africa and Europe. Kvadrat specializes in producing high performance textiles, rugs and window coverings, as well as acoustic solutions for commercial and residential interiors. Its range of products includes upholstery, curtains, rugs, accessories, bedwear, roller blinds, tabletops, cushions and leather goods. Kvadrat provides a range of products from various designers and brands, including Kvadrat Shade, Kvadrat Really, Magniberg and SAHCO.
SPOTLIGHT PTE. LTD.
Repeated as per the client
COSMOSTAR SINGAPORE PRIVATE LIMITED
Cosmostar Singapore was incorporated in 2019. It is the Asia headquarters of the global company located in Massachusetts, USA. Cosmostar has established stores across China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, the United Kingdom and Vietnam, and operates manufacturing plants in China, Vietnam, Taiwan and Indonesia. It specializes in multi-faceted manufacturing of performance linings, fashionable uppers, Stobel and Insole Board, and waterproof systems. In addition, it provides knitting services like circular knitting, warp knitting, flat knits and dyeing, and also offers non-wovens. The company provides extensive technical, sales and marketing support at factory and brand office levels.
Top Singapore Large Local Enterprises in Textiles
MATEX INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
Repeat company as per the client.
DYSTAR SINGAPORE PTE LTD
DyStar Singapore was incorporated in 1995. Based in Singapore, the company operates 50 offices and 17 production sites across Asia, Africa, America and Europe. DyStar specializes in dyestuff and the manufacture of speciality chemicals and solutions. Its variety of products include colourants such as textile dyes and pigments, inks, regulated dyes and lakes, technical dyes, pigment dispersions and inorganic pigments. Its chemical range includes textile auxiliaries, food and cosmetics additives, textile finishing and coating chemicals such as resins and catalysts, glyoxal, waxes and silicones. Its services are made available to customers through online purchase via its website.
Top 10 Textiles SMEs in Singapore
FOUR STAR INDUSTRIES PTE LTD
Four Star Industries was established in 1968. The company, which is headquartered in Singapore, operates seven outlets across the country. Four Star Industries is a mattress brand which provides a range of luxury mattresses to customers including individuals, families and hotels worldwide. In addition to a range of mattresses, Four Star offers bed frames, storage beds, sofas and living room products; it has also released a hospitality collection. The company has won many awards over the years, one of which was being declared the Winner at the Singapore Prestige Brand Award in 2019 in the Heritage Brands category.
HANIFFA TEXTILES PTE. LTD.
Haniffa Textiles, which was founded in 1962, is headquartered in Singapore. The company operates two outlets in the island, three outlets in Malaysia and an export house in India. Haniffa Textiles provides a range of textiles for women, men and kids, as well as jewellery, electronics, food products, confectionaries, luggage and watches, among other products. Its signature product is its full range of silk sarees that are only available at the company’s stores. Haniffa Textiles, which is considered Singapore’s leading provider of silk sarees, also operates an online store, enabling its customers to purchase its goods conveniently.
MAGIC-KOIL PTE LTD
Magic-Koil was established in 1979. Headquartered in Singapore, the company operates over 60 stores across the country. It also owns a manufacturing facility in Singapore. Magic-Koil is a mattress provider which offers a variety of mattresses such as Bonnell Spring, Pocket Spring, All Foam, Memory Foam, Latex, Hybrid Latex and Hybrid Memory. In addition to these products, the company offers bedding accessories like pillows, mattress protectors, mattress toppers and storage beds. It also has various mattress cover features for its customers to choose from – these include argentum fabric, bamboo fabric and others.
HONG MING PTE. LTD.
Hong Ming was founded in 1991. The company is headquartered in Singapore and operates four retail branches in the country. Hong Ming specializes in a variety of ready-made curtains and home decor products which are made available for both local and international clients. Its range of products includes day and night curtains, S-fold curtains, eyelet and stage curtains, blackout curtains, and a collection of indoor and outdoor blinds. Hong Ming’s customers are able access its products through the e-shop on the company’s website, and it also operates a blog providing tips on curtains and blinds for its customers.
ADVANCE CANVAS INDUSTRIES PTE LTD
Advance Canvas Industries, which was incorporated in 1986, is headquartered in Singapore and operates a sister company, Rainbow Sunshade System in Malaysia. It specializes in the design and manufacture of fabric roofing and canopy systems for both commercial and private use. Advance Canvas Industries’ products include Awnings, Canopy, Outdoor Umbrella, Durabell Bellows, Durashades, Inkjet Print, Loop Blinds, Noleak, Sail Shades and Sky Shades. Its fabric roofing services are durable, and water and temperature variance resistant. The company also offers in-house technical support and manpower skills to readily assist its clients.
ROYAL FABRICS PTE LTD
Royal Fabrics was founded in 1956. The company is headquartered in Singapore. A retailer of fabrics, the companyprovides its customers high end European fabrics, as well as a variety of fabrics such as Asian traditional fabrics, silks, linen and cotton fabrics. In addition to this, Royal Fabrics provides ready-made clothes. It offers fabrics for any occasion that are of different types and origins including Bustier, Tulle, Sophie, Solstiss, Italian, France and Chantilly, and are available in different patterns, embellishments and shades, which are all available for purchase through the company’s website.
SING MUI HENG (PTE.) LTD.
Sing Mui Heng was incorporated in 1976. Headquartered in Singapore, the company operates four outlets across the country. It is a specialized provider of good quality crafts, haberdashery products, fabrics, sewing machines and accessories to local and international consumers. Sing Mui Heng provides a range of products from various international well known brands at affordable prices. In addition, it conducts workshops to help its customers learn to create various items such as bags and clothes. Sing Mui Heng maintains a blog which offers tips on various topics.
AJ2 HOLDINGS PTE. LTD.
Repeat company as per the client.
WINDOW IMAGE & INTERIOR FURNISHING PTE LTD
Window Image & Interior Furnishing, which was incorporated in 1993, is headquartered in Singapore, and operates two outlets and a factory in the country. It is a soft furnishings provider which offers a range of signature products. These include items such as curtains, blinds, wallpaper, Solar Firm, upholstery and cushion covers, carpets, tracks and rods. Window Image & Interior Furnishing offers high quality curtains that are created using fabrics from European countries including Germany, and Korea. The company has been featured in the HOME+living magazine.
NYTEX PTE. LTD.
Established in 2013 and headquartered in Singapore, Nytex is a manufacturer and supplier of a variety of textiles and steel. The company has an extensive network of buyers and suppliers across 22 countries worldwide. Its products include yarns in varieties such as cotton, nylon, polyester, spandex, viscose, acrylic, and blended and speciality yarns. In addition, it provides steel products from countries like India, Indonesia, China and others through container or bulk vessel basis. Nytex’s steel products include cold rolled coils, galvanized coils and wires.
Top Singapore Fastest-Growing Companies in Textiles
SUNDAY BEDDING PTE. LTD.
Sunday Bedding was founded in 2018. The company, which is headquartered in Singapore, is a specialized manufacturer of home textile products and operates three outlets in Singapore and one in Malaysia. Its products include bedsheets in a variety of materials like French linen, organic cotton, bamboo sateen and cotton. It also offers towels, loungewear and others such as laundry wash, laundry bags, hand cream and other home and lifestyle products. Sunday Bedding also conducts workshops on various topics to create awareness among its clients. Its website also offers various tips on home decor, decorating, fabrics and tips for better sleep.
NEWTEX ASIA PACIFIC PTE LTD
Newtex Asia Pacific was incorporated in Singapore in 1999. It is part of the New York-based global company, Newtex, which provides its services to customers in over 70 countries, including a range of Fortune 500 industrial companies and military customers. Newtex operates two outlets in America and one is in Singapore. It utilizes performance materials to develop custom high-temperature solutions and personal protective equipment and apparel for extreme protective business units. Its products are used in refineries, foundries, shipyards, military and defense projects, construction sites, power generation facilities, petrochemical plants and in environments that operate at drastically high temperatures.
NYTEX PTE. LTD.
Repeated company as per client
FOUR STAR INDUSTRIES PTE LTD
Repeated company as per client
