China's textile and apparel exports grew year-on-year from January to May 2023, but the export value was affected by pricing and exchange rate factors. May's export value, measured in Chinese Renminbi (RMB), decreased by 10.8% compared to the previous year and 1.1% compared to the previous month. 

Textile exports fell by 11.9% year-on-year and 5.5% month-on-month, while apparel exports declined by 9.8% year-on-year but increased by 3.2% month-on-month. In US dollars (USD), China's textile and apparel export value in May dropped by 13.1% compared to the previous year and 1.3% compared to the previous month. 

Textile exports decreased by 14.2% year-on-year and 5.6% month-on-month, while apparel exports declined by 12.2% year-on-year but rose by 3% month-on-month. The analysis of customs data revealed that only Categories 54, 55, and 62 showed positive growth during the January-May period, while other categories experienced declines compared to the same period last year. 

The growth in textile and apparel exports can mainly be attributed to polyester filament yarn and polyester staple fiber .However, downstream products and fabric exports did not exhibit growth but instead declined. 

The increase in polyester fiber exports reflects industry transfer, exploration of overseas markets, and is partly influenced by India's Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The long-term sustainability of this trend remains uncertain.