Exports of spandex from China were up 32 per cent from January to September 2021, compared to 2019 exports were up 29 per cent says a CCF Group report. Turkey remained the biggest export destination. Exports of spandex to Turkey, South Korea, Taiwan and Egypt accounted for 40 per cent of total exports. And Chinese spandex exports to Columbia, Turkey, Bangladesh, Taiwan and India rose 63 to 134 per cent from January to September 2021.

Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Guangdong, Chongqing, Henan and Shandong are major export suppliers of Chinese spandex. The global spandex market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of more than eight per cent from 2016 to 2023. It is also commonly known as elastane. Technology advancement with moisture management properties coupled with performance efficiency is likely to benefit elastane market growth.

Factors such as superior elasticity, regaining original shape, durability, lightweight, resistance to UV light are likely to favor spandex market demand. Spandex is used in textile manufacturing applications such as leggings, gloves, cycling jerseys and competitive swimwear. Strenuous movements are involved in active sports that may require garment stretch. This stretch can result in movement restriction for the wearer. This can be overcome by using spandex material.