[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

#Textile processing

YKK Bangladesh celebrates 25 years of fastening production and business development

YKK Bangladesh Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary of Japanese fastening manufacturer YKK Corporation, has celebrated its 25th anniversary with a commemorative ceremony in Dhaka on November 8, 2026. Since its establishment in November 2000, the company has expanded its manufacturing capacity and business operations alongside the growth of Bangladesh's apparel industry.

#ITMA Asia + CITME 2026

Murata Machinery to showcase AIcone winding and high-speed VORTEX spinning at ITMA ASIA 2026

Japanese textile machinery manufacturer Murata Machinery will present its PROCESS CONER AIcone automatic winder and VORTEX 870 EX spinning machine at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2026. Under the theme “Right Choice, Bright Future”, the company will highlight technologies for efficient yarn manufacturing, combining energy-saving winding solutions with high-speed air-jet spinning. Visitors can meet Murata Machinery in Hall 5, Booths E01 and E02.

#ITMA Asia + CITME 2026

DORNIER highlights airbag, filtration and composite weaving technologies at ITMA ASIA 2026

Lindauer DORNIER will present its latest developments in air-jet and rapier weaving technology for technical textiles at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2026. The German machinery manufacturer will focus on the reliable and efficient production of airbag fabrics, high-density filters and reinforcement textiles for fibre-reinforced composites. Alongside its A2 air-jet and P2 rapier weaving machines, DORNIER will highlight its TRITOS FLEX technology for complex 3D composite preforms, retrofit solutions and expanded service capabilities in Asia. The company will exhibit in Hall 3, Stand E02.

#Retail & Brands

Marks & Spencer expands across Asia Pacific through partnership with Global Fashion Group

Marks & Spencer (M&S) and Global Fashion Group (GFG) have announced a strategic partnership to expand the British retailer's fashion business across Asia Pacific. M&S has launched on Southeast Asian fashion platform ZALORA and plans to enter THE ICONIC in Australia and New Zealand in early 2027. The agreement also introduces regional fulfilment for Australian M&S.com orders, enabling faster deliveries and returns while supporting a capital-light international growth strategy.

More News on ITMA Asia + CITME 2020

Latest News

#Natural Fibers

Woolmark survey: 82% of consumers prefer natural fibres over synthetics

A new consumer survey commissioned by Woolmark and conducted by Ipsos across five major markets reveals a strong preference for natural fibres over synthetic alternatives. On average, 82% of respondents in the United States, France, Germany, Italy and China said they would choose natural fibres when price, style and fit are equal. The findings coincide with the launch of Woolmark's new global brand platform, “Return to Real”, which highlights the natural performance properties of Merino wool and the growing importance of verified fibre quality.

#ITMA Asia + CITME 2026

KARL MAYER introduces MULTIPLY BX for high-efficiency wind turbine reinforcement fabrics

KARL MAYER is expanding its composite machinery portfolio with the new MULTIPLY BX, a biaxial warp knitting machine specifically developed for the production of reinforcement textiles used in wind turbine rotor blades. Designed for high output and efficient material utilisation, the machine achieves production speeds of up to 500 m/h and offers a productivity increase of 20 to 25% compared with the established MAX GLASS ECO. The MULTIPLY BX will make its debut at the KARL MAYER (China) Product Show in Changzhou during ITMA ASIA 2026.

#Recycling / Circular Economy

ReSpin founder Åsa Strandberg receives Innovation Champion of the Year 2026 award

Åsa Strandberg, founder and CEO of Swedish textile recycling company ReSpin AB, has been named Innovation Champion of the Year 2026. The award recognises her development of RespinJenny, a patented technology designed to recycle textile waste into new, high-quality fibres without using water, chemicals or additional virgin raw materials. The distinction was presented by the Olle Oscarsson Foundation and Axera Inkubator at Guldgalan in Sweden.

#Sustainability

Inside the Making at Ecomondo 2026: Textile supply chain calls for transparency and measurable sustainability

Transparency, verifiable environmental claims and closer cooperation across the textile value chain were the central themes of the “Inside the Making: The Power of the Process” panel at Ecomondo 2026 in Rimini. Representatives from denim and sportswear manufacturing, textile finishing, digital printing and branding discussed how technological innovation and supply chain collaboration can help companies meet new European regulatory requirements while making sustainability economically viable.

TOP