The Global Sourcing Expo, a pivotal event connecting global suppliers with Australian trade buyers, continues to solidify its position as a leading platform for business, industry associations, and export councils. With successful editions recently concluding in Sydney (June 17-19, 2025) and the highly anticipated Melbourne show approaching, the expo is increasingly becoming a strategic center for sourcing, fostering innovation, sustainability, and robust international partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region.

Sydney's resounding success and evolving buyer landscape

The third edition of Global Sourcing Expo in Sydney, held recently, wrapped up on a high note, demonstrating significant growth and an evolving buyer landscape. Julie Holt, Global Business and Exhibition Director for Global Sourcing Expo, expressed her enthusiasm: "We were thrilled with the success of the third edition of Global Sourcing Expo Sydney. The event gained strong momentum in the lead-up, with impressive pre-registration figures and attendance from high-quality, target buyers." The Sydney edition saw our visitor attendance numbers draw a record 5,434 unique visitors to the International Convention Centre, representing a 22% increase in unique visits and 26% overall, compared to the previous year, whereas in 2024 the event in Sydney built on a remarkable 43% growth from its inaugural 2023 event. This underscores the expo's strong resonance within the Sydney market. This milestone reflects the Expo’s expanding influence in the apparel, textiles, accessories, footwear and homeware sectors. While 5,434 unique attendees frequented the Expo over three-days, 1,044 returned on separate occasions, underpinning an appetite for further networking, learning and sourcing opportunities over the course of the show.

A notable trend observed in Sydney was the rise in start-up attendance, reflecting the city's entrepreneurial spirit. Buyers at the Sydney show exhibited a cautious optimism for 2025, showing keen interest in sustainability, innovation, and supply chain resilience. They actively sought partnerships that could deliver both product innovation and value, with a clear shift towards more agile and ethical sourcing. This included a preference for suppliers offering flexible order quantities, short lead times, and eco-conscious manufacturing.

Embracing innovation and sustainable sourcing

Sydney's buyers, particularly in apparel, demonstrated a strong inclination towards "purposeful innovation," seeking partners who could provide smart, differentiated solutions beyond just products. Interest in sustainable fashion and the circular economy continues to be a key feature, alongside an expanding focus on Smart & Functional Textiles, especially for sportswear and wellness apparel. The growing appetite for antibacterial, moisture-wicking, and temperature-regulating materials highlights a demand for advanced textile solutions.

A global showcase of sourcing excellence

The Global Sourcing Expo Sydney 2025 hosted an even more internationally diverse group of exhibitors this year, with participation from over 15 countries promised. The Expo saw 542 exhibitors from 17 countries including India, Nepal, Vietnam, Türkiye and Indonesia in attendance. This commitment aims to surpass previous attendance figures, reflecting the event's growing influence and appeal among Australian and global buyers.

India marks a strong presence

India continued to be a foundational partner, with a dynamic presence at both Sydney and Melbourne editions of the Expo for over a decade. India's participation was strongly supported by the Federation of Export Organisations and The Wool and Woollens Export Promotion Council, showcasing the country's diverse offerings in textiles and related industries.

Rajesh Behl, MD, Seam Consulting Group, who is helping launch a knitwear brand made from recycled fibers for a South Indian company, emphasized India's unique position. "India definitely enjoys a special position and niche in fashion, apparel, and textiles in Australia and the region’s sourcing," Behl commented, adding a crucial point for Indian exhibitors: "Indian exhibitors have to realize that the market here is not voluminous as in USA and EU. Indians should be willing to work on smaller volumes and grow gradually."

The Consulate General of India in Sydney, represented by Sudip Bhattacharya, Trade & Investment Promotion Officer, along with Suneet Jain, CA, Head of Professional Events, Australian (Sydney) Chapter of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, and Irfan Malik, National Associate at Australia India Business Council (AIBC), have all been instrumental in guiding Indian exhibitors.

With around 29 exhibitors, Indian participants expressed satisfactory responses from the Sydney exhibition, though some noted that Melbourne tends to attract more directly relevant buyers for their products.

China and other participating countries showcase wide product range

China, a dominant player, showcased a wide range of products. Eric Shen, Sales Director at Shanghai HollyTex Textile Co Ltd, which manufactures wool and wool-based suiting fabrics, expressed a positive outlook, stating, "We found the Australian buyers quite receptive to our offerings and see great potential in this market." Holly, Sales Manager, Holly Textiles and Sunny Li, Sales Manager at Changzhou Dahua Import and Export (Group) Co Ltd, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the promising interactions. Andrew Zhang, Founder of Shenzhen Misi Garments Co Ltd, an underwear manufacturing company also known for Period Panties, found the show highly satisfactory for expanding into the Australian market. Tony from Cross Cargo, a Chinese apparel manufacturing company with local operations in Sydney, noted the successful engagement with buyers.

The strategic co-location of the Global Sourcing Expo Sydney with the China Clothing Textiles Accessories Expo further enhances the experience for buyers, offering an expanded showcase of high-quality products from China.

Vietnam's growing presence was also evident. Tracy Ng, Sales Director at Winnitex Group, Hong Kong, highlighted the increasing interest in Vietnamese manufacturers among Australian buyers, stating, "Our exclusive agent in Vietnam has reported significant buyer interest, reinforcing the increasing presence of Vietnamese manufacturers in the Australian market."

Bangladesh also had a significant showing. Rony Chakma, Commercial Counsellor at the Bangladesh High Commission in Canberra, Australia, along with Trafdar Sohel Rahman, Deputy Secretary of the Export Promotion Bureau, Bangladesh, spearheaded the participation of 10 Bangladeshi companies. Eight garment manufacturers and suppliers, financially supported by the Export Promotion Bureau, showcased ready-made garments, while two other apparel companies participated independently. Bangladesh's High Commissioner to Australia, FM Borhan Uddin, formally inaugurated the Bangladesh Pavilion.

Currently, around 93 percent of Bangladeshi exports to Australia consist of ready-made garments, making Bangladesh Australia’s 23rd largest trading partner. Rony Chakma noted the positive engagement, stating, "The participation of Bangladeshi companies has been highly satisfactory, allowing us to strengthen existing relationships and forge new ones within the Australian market."

For the first time, Nepal participated as an association, bringing 9 exhibitors. Most of these exhibitors, accustomed to exporting to EU and the US markets for their traditional products, expressed keen interest in understanding and entering the Australian market through this show. Pashupati Dev Pandey, President of the Garment Association, Nepal, highlighted the positive initial interactions. Sandeep Poudel of Legendary Fashion Craft Pvt Ltd, Nepal, and Sonam Muktan, Marketing & Communication at Logo Fashion Industry, Kathmandu, Nepal, a local brand also involved in mainstream apparel exports to EU & USA, found the Australian market receptive to their unique offerings.

Oguz Polat of Istanbul Authentic Bazaar, Australia, representing Turkish Cotton Towels, Rugs, and homewares, expressed satisfaction with the business generated in Australia, affirming the expo's value for a diverse range of products.

Engaging seminars and industry dialogue

A key highlight of the Global Sourcing Expo Sydney was the comprehensive Global Sourcing Seminars program, expertly MCed by Patty Huntington, Features and Fashion News Director of Harper's BAZAAR Australia. The three-day programme offered invaluable insights into the evolving retail and sourcing landscape.

On the inaugural day, sessions included "Navigating Retail in 2025: Trends, Tensions and Transformation" by Ryan Swenson of the Australian Retailers Association, and "Ecommerce with Purpose: Turning Online Sales into a Platform for Giving Back" presented by Olivia Carr of SHHH SILK. Bridget Veals from David Jones provided a "Top Buyer’s Bird’s Eye View on the Season" for Fall 2025 trends, followed by Dr. Rachel Lamarche-Beauchesne discussing "How to communicate sustainability to consumers."

Sessions on the second day featured Jenn Donovan on "Future-Ready Marketing: Using AI to Boost Business," and a panel discussion on "The Unstoppable Rise of B Corp" with Annemarie Seirrugia, Jessica Lacoma, and Justine O'Byrne. Therese Tarlinton delved into "How Suppliers and Retailers Can Win Together," and Neale O'Connor explored "Navigating the New Sourcing Landscape: Field Lessons from Asia’s Manufacturing Evolution."

The seminars concluded with sessions on the third day on "Sustainability: Your Secret Weapon for Cost Reduction & Market Leadership" by Anaita Sarkar of Hero Packaging, and "From Waste to Worth: Turning Textile Waste into Opportunity" moderated by Belinda Chellingworth. Robert Lockyer of Delta Global offered insights into "The Sustainable Packaging Revolution." These seminars underscored the expo's commitment to providing both education and fostering industry dialogue, crucial elements for effective sourcing practice.

Diverse and noted buyers visit the event

The Global Sourcing Expo attracted a much higher number and a wide array of visitors and buyers, reflecting its importance as a central hub for the industry. The event drew a significant number of key players from the Australian market. A snapshot of registered companies reveals a diverse mix of prominent retailers, fashion brands, and emerging businesses. Holt says, “Of those in attendance, majority held senior leadership roles as directors, co-founders, CEOs, creative directors, managers and buyers; with more than 70% in charge of final decision making.” Attendees from the likes of well-known names such as Adidas, Aje, ALDI, Amazon, bassike, Bed Threads, BIGW, BOODY, bras.n.things, Budgy smuggler, BY JOHNNY., C&M CAMILLA AND MARC, culture kings, FOREVER NEW, FURLA, Hanes, INDUSTRIE, KOJA, MESHKI, MIMCO, Muscle Republic, NUDELUCY, Piping Hot, REBECCA VALLANCE, rebel, RUNAWAY, SEAFFOLY Australia, SHEIKE, THE ICONIC, UGG, WHITE FOX, WITH HARPER LU, and ZIMMERMANN.

This broad representation underscores the expo's ability to attract a comprehensive spectrum of buyers, ranging from large-scale retailers and e-commerce giants to boutique fashion labels and lifestyle brands, all seeking diverse sourcing solutions. “Of those surveyed after the show, 100% confirmed that they connected with new suppliers, while 75% of these attendees would recommend the Global Sourcing Expo to industry peers. In addition, 50% are planning to place orders with key exhibitors over the next 12-months.” Feedback from Expo attendees has been very positive, with one guest noting the event provided them with a valuable platform to “connect with legitimate suppliers… without having to deal with language barriers and online issues.” Another attendee commended the broad range of materials found, adding: “We’ve found a good range of materials for our niche product, and many companies that have accreditations which we haven’t been able to find online before. It was great to meet them in person and we’re excited to get in contact.”