Spunlace non-woven fabric exports to the U.S halve in May

According to customs data, spunlace non-woven fabric export of China reached 38.693kt in May 2025, representing a 9% year-on-year increase but a 3% month-on-month decrease. The average export price was $2,224/mt, declining by 1% YoY and largely flat MoM. Cumulative exports from Jan to May totaled 183.642kt, up 13% YoY.

The exports to the top five destinations (South Korea, U.S., Japan, Vietnam, and Brazil) totaled 18.171kt in May, down 3% YoY and 12% MoM, accounting for 47% of total exports, hitting new lows since 2017. Affected by the U.S. additional tariffs, the export to the U.S. in May was halved. At present, only some Chinese products with high profits are exported to the U.S., while conventional products are in a stagnant state. The export to Russia in May showed remarkable performance, reaching nearly 1.8kt. The export to Brazil hit a new monthly high again, approaching 2.9kt. In the future, Latin America will be a market that cannot be underestimated.

Major origins (Zhejiang, Shandong, Jiangsu, Guangdong, and Fujian) contributed 32.274kt, up 5% YoY but down 3% MoM, representing 83% of total exports. Since the beginning of this year, Shandong's export volume has continued to grow. In May, it exceeded 5kt, reaching a new high since the epidemic period, mainly flowing to South Korea, Japan and Mexico. The exports of other main producing areas mostly decreased month-on-month.

In May, the export volume of spunlace non-woven fabric decreased month-on-month but remained at a relatively high level. Although the U.S. market share was lost, other markets such as Russia, Brazil, and Mexico are gradually making up for it. The markets in South Korea and Japan still maintain a relatively good condition. Since the beginning of this year, Shandong's export volume has performed well and is now significantly higher than that of other main producing areas except Zhejiang. In the off-season of Chinese domestic demand, fabric mills pay more attention to foreign orders, leading to greater competitive pressure.