CSMA Delegation Visits Poland for Industry Study

To promote the establishment of a new “dual circulation” development pattern for the sewing machinery industry and to gain an in-depth understanding of overseas market dynamics—particularly in apparel, leather goods, home textiles, and automotive interiors—the China Sewing Machinery Association (CSMA) organized a delegation visit to Central Europe for field research and exchange. The mission aimed to help enterprises identify opportunities, expand markets, and better serve global industrial demand.

The delegation was led by He Ye, Vice President of the China National Light Industry Council and Honorary Chairman of the China Sewing Machinery Association (CSMA), together with Yang Xiaojing, Chairman of CSMA, and joined by more than ten industry executives. From October 13 to 14, the delegation visited Łódź and Poznań in Poland, conducted study visits to several companies, including garment manufacturer BFIELD BIEŻYŃSKA Spółka Komandytowa and sewing machine distributor enterprises Bartłomiej Bocheński, Impall Rozwandowicz Bochenski Sp.K., and Strima, to gain a deep understanding of local production conditions, changes in market demand, and sewing equipment sales, while engaging in in-depth discussions with company representatives.

During the visit, the delegation also held talks with officials from the Polish Textile Association. Vice President He Ye introduced the overall development of China’s light industry and highlighted the achievements of its internationalization efforts in recent years.

Poland currently has over 1,000 textile and apparel enterprises, forming a relatively complete industrial chain and employing more than 200,000 people, including about 100,000 garment workers. Most companies are small and medium-sized enterprises, with a limited number of large-scale operations. Industrial clusters are concentrated in Łódź and Poznań, primarily producing garments, footwear, military supplies, and automotive interiors. Notably, over 60% of Polish apparel output is exported, mainly to EU markets.

As the third-largest European market for Chinese sewing machinery, Poland imported USD 24.18 million worth of sewing equipment from China in 2024, accounting for 25.38% of China’s total exports of sewing machinery to Europe. There are an estimated 100 local distributors, mainly selling flat-bed, overlock, and buttonhole machines and etc. Sales of pre- and post-sewing equipment—such as spreading machines and cutting machines—remain limited, while demand for automated systems is primarily concentrated among larger enterprises.

According to feedback from distributors, the Russia–Ukraine conflict and global tariff adjustments have caused significant market fluctuations across Europe, including in Poland. Two notable trends have emerged: increasing demand for military and defense-related production, and rising sales of multifunctional household sewing machines amid consumeing downgrading.

During discussions, local company representatives presented their business overviews and analyzed recent market trends, strategies, and responses. They spoke highly of “Made in China” products, noting: “In recent years, the quality and performance of Chinese sewing machines have improved remarkably. With their excellent cost-performance ratio and reliable after-sales service, Chinese products have become mainstream in our market and are widely welcomed by end users. We look forward to deepening cooperation with more Chinese manufacturers across various fields.”

In his remarks, Chairman Yang Xiaojing introduced the current landscape of China’s sewing machinery industry and the association’s key initiatives. He exchanged views with Polish counterparts on topics including global market integration, industrial chain collaboration, international cooperation mechanisms, technology development trends, global talent cultivation, and the CISMA exhibition.

Delegation members also held in-depth discussions with local companies, reaching valuable consensus on information exchange, cooperation enhancement, and channel development. Participants unanimously agreed that the Central European study tour provided an effective platform for Chinese enterprises to “go global,” facilitating direct engagement with distributors and end users, and offering first-hand insights into real market conditions—thereby strengthening enterprises’ international expansion efforts.