[pageLogInLogOut]

#ITMA Asia + CITME 2020

Seventh ITMA ASIA + CITME combined show successfully opens in Shanghai

Largest textile machinery exhibition to be held since the start of the pandemic. The big booth by KARL MAYER (c) 2021
The seventh ITMA ASIA + CITME 2020 exhibition opens today in Shanghai with the largest showcase of the latest textile machinery since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic last year. Following an eight-month postponement, the combined exhibition grossing 160,000-square-metre brings together 1,237 textile machinery manufacturers from 20 countries and regions, and their buyers for face-to-face interaction.

Against the odds, the combined show only contracted by 10% in gross exhibition space. The better-than-expected performance of ITMA Asia + CITME 2020 attests to China being an attractive textile machinery market. As 2021 marks the first year of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, it has ushered in fresh development opportunities for the local textile industry, according to the show owners.

The combined show is owned by CEMATEX (European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers), the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT (CCPIT-Tex), China Textile Machinery Association (CTMA) and China Exhibition Centre Group Corporation (CIEC).

Mr. Ernesto Maurer, president of CEMATEX, explained, “We are extremely pleased to be able to stage Asia’s largest textile machinery exhibition during this challenging period, thanks to the strong performance of the China’s textile industry, and the support of our exhibitors and partners. This edition of ITMA Asia + CITME has further sealed the combined exhibition’s reputation as the leading-edge business platform in Asia for textile machinery.”

Mr. Wang Shutian, honorary president of China Textile Machinery Association (CTMA), added: “Each edition of ITMA ASIA + CITME sees strong textile industry turnout. As an industry platform, it has been instrumental in facilitating the industrial upgrading of the textile industry in China and Asia. It is especially crucial now as the physical show allows companies to reconnect face-to-face again. Such meetings held in person are critical for building business relationships in the longer term and we are pleased to enable our participants the opportunity to do so in this exhibition."

Key highlights

The largest contingent of exhibitors at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2020 comes from China, which has over 1,000 participants occupying over 56,000 square metres of net exhibit space. Some major exhibitors include CHTC, Fong’s, Ningbo Cixing, Wuxi Hongyuan, Hangzhou Honghua, Jiangsu Yingyou Textile Machinery and Changshu Textile Machinery.

A total of 170 exhibitors from CEMATEX territories are taking part in the exhibition. They occupy over 9,200 square metres, amounting to 13 per cent of the net space. Two of the largest national groups are Germany and Italy. Fifty-seven German exhibitors occupy over 3,700 square metres while 63 Italian exhibitors take up over 2,500 square metres.

Rieter booth (c) 2020 ITMA Asia + CITME 2020 / ITMA Services   / Beijing Textile Machinery International Exhibition Company
Rieter booth (c) 2020 ITMA Asia + CITME 2020 / ITMA Services / Beijing Textile Machinery International Exhibition Company


The next largest group of exhibitors come from Japan, taking up more than 2,200 square metres of net space. The Japanese participation is coordinated by the Japan Textile Machinery Association - a strategic partner of the combined show.

Although international participation has been greatly reduced due to travel restrictions, ITMA ASIA + CITME 2020 still features leading brand names from Europe and Japan. They include Automatex Solution, Fil Control, Groz-Beckert, Itema, Jeanologia, Karl Mayer, MS Printing Solutions, Meech International, Muratec, Oerlikon Barmag, Picanol, Reggiani Macchine, Rieter, Santoni, Saurer, Savio, Shima Seiki, Staubli, Toyota, Tsudakoma, Vandewiele and Vanwyk.



Itema booth (c) ITMA Asia + CITME 2020 / ITMA Services   / Beijing Textile Machinery International Exhibition Company
Itema booth (c) ITMA Asia + CITME 2020 / ITMA Services / Beijing Textile Machinery International Exhibition Company


In term of product categories, similar to previous editions, spinning remains the largest sector, occupying 25 per cent of the total exhibit space. The finishing sector forms the next biggest group at 24 per cent, followed by knitting (13 per cent), weaving (12 per cent) and printing (8 per cent).

Another area showcasing industry innovation is the Research and Innovation Zone. The zone features 11 local universities and colleges. Among the participants are Donghua University, Jiangnan University, Qingdao University, Tianjin University of Technology, Wuhan Textile University, Xi'an University of Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology and other institutions.

Prior to the exhibition, extensive promotions via online and offline channels had been undertaken to ensure a strong visitor turnout. The organisers are expecting more than 400 local textile and garment manufacturer associations and their members to visit the exhibition. The exhibition also has the support of more than 100 media partners from around the world.

Onsite, the organisers are implementing various measures to protect participants’ health and safety. These measures include mandatory temperature checking and strict badge verification with facial recognition at hall entry gantries. Visitors are also advised to observe social distancing.

The combined exhibition ends on 16 June 2021. Opening hours are from 0900 to 1700 hours from 12 to 15 June, and 0900 to 1600 on 16 June. Visitors can purchase their badges onsite at the registration areas. Onsite rates are 50 yuan for a one-day badge and 100 yuan for a five-day badge.

ITMA ASIA + CITME is organised by Beijing Textile Machinery International Exhibition Co Ltd and co-organised by ITMA Services. For more information, please visit www.itmaasia.com or www.citme.com.cn.

Trützschler booth at ITMA Asia (c) 2021 ITMA Asia + citmE 2020 / ITMA Services   / Beijing Textile Machinery International Exhibition Company
Trützschler booth at ITMA Asia (c) 2021 ITMA Asia + citmE 2020 / ITMA Services / Beijing Textile Machinery International Exhibition Company


More News from

#INDEX 2026

“We clearly see that reliability, flexibility, service and total cost of ownership are becoming increasingly important again.”

The nonwovens industry continues to face a challenging market environment. Nevertheless, AUTEFA Solutions reports successful projects, new line sales and growing demand for energy-efficient and flexible solutions. In this interview, André Imhof of AUTEFA Solutions talks about competitiveness against Chinese suppliers, new service and recycling concepts, the growing importance of application development and the opportunities created by countercyclical investments.

#INDEX 2026

“Needle punching technology is more universal and sustainable than ever!”

Needle punching technology was long regarded as a rather traditional and comparatively slow technology within the nonwovens industry. In this interview, Johann Philipp Dilo explains why needle punching is more relevant than ever today – ranging from energy efficiency and resource conservation to hygiene applications, new machine concepts and design-oriented nonwoven solutions.

#Research & Development

Textile climate control system in workwear – exhibition at the 2026 SME Innovation Day!

Conventional protective workwear often reaches its limits during strenuous physical activity. In particular, the transport of sweat and excess body heat poses a problem. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF) conducted research on flow-optimized, air-conducting textile structures that enable targeted climate control directly on the body. These structures can be integrated straight into protective work garments. The textile climate control system supports the body’s natural thermoregulation. This contributes to improved workplace safety and comfort.

#Nonwovens

PET spunbond from China – EDANA welcomes imposition of provisional anti-dumping measures

On 13 May 2026, after eight months of investigation, the European Commission imposed provisional anti-dumping duties of 45.6-50.0% on imports of PET spunbond from China. EDANA welcomes this expression of the Commission’s clear determination to protect EU industries from the unfair trade practices of Chinese producers.

More News on ITMA Asia + CITME 2020

Latest News

#INDEX 2026

ANDRITZ at INDEX ’26: Driving sustainability with next-generation nonwoven technologies

From May 19-22, ANDRITZ Nonwoven & Textile is presenting its innovative solutions for the nonwoven & textile industry in Geneva, Switzerland. ANDRITZ will focus on technologies for sustainable and durable nonwovens, converting, sustainable fiber processes, textile recycling, and life-cycle services on booth 2114 in hall 02.

#INDEX 2026

INDEX™26: World’s leading nonwovens exhibition presents groundbreaking product launches, exclusive seminars and immersive experiences

From 19 to 22 May 2026, 620 exhibitors from 44 countries will gather in Geneva at Palexpo for INDEX™26. The exhibition aims to demonstrate how the future of technical materials will increasingly be shaped by collaborative supply chains and integrated innovation across the nonwovens industry. This year’s edition focuses not only on individual technological advances, but also on how cooperation throughout the value chain can enhance the performance, sustainability and value of nonwoven solutions.

#INDEX 2026

The LYCRA Company launches LYCRA® ADAPTIV fiber for nonwovens, advancing comfort and fit in disposable hygiene at INDEX™ 26

The LYCRA Company, a leader in innovative and sustainable fibers for apparel and personal care, today announced the official global launch of LYCRA® ADAPTIV fiber for nonwovens at INDEX™ 26, in Geneva, Switzerland, May 19–22. This breakthrough stretch fiber, already trusted by leading global apparel brands, now ushers in a new era of comfort, fit, and performance for baby diapers, disposable hygiene products, adult incontinence, and feminine care.

#INDEX 2026

Innovations for today – solutions for tomorrow: Trützschler Nonwovens at INDEX™ 2026

From 19 to 22 May, Trützschler Nonwovens will present itself at booth 1641 as a long-term partner to its customers. The focus will be on new products for all nonwoven processes, further developments of the digital working environment T‑ONE, and an expanded service portfolio.

TOP