Is Producing in China Still Worth It? What I Discovered After Doing the Research

Lately, I’ve found myself questioning whether it’s still sustainable to keep producing apparel in China. With tariffs rising and uncertainty in the global market, I started wondering if it was time to explore options here in the U.S. for my clients.

For years, I’ve worked closely with manufacturers in China, developing patterns, creating tech packs, and producing high-quality garments. But with all the talk of increasing tariffs and shifting trade policies, I had my doubts. Was it still worth it? Would my clients be better off sourcing locally?

So, I did what I always do when faced with a challenge—I started researching. And what I found surprised me.

Despite the changes in tariffs, producing in China still holds major advantages. I realized that while there are always trade-offs, the benefits far outweigh the downsides. So, I felt it was important to share what I’ve learned—because if I had these questions, I know many of you do too.

Why China is Still a Top Choice for Apparel Production

Even with increased tariffs, producing in China continues to offer major advantages:

1. Cost Efficiency: Labor costs in China are still significantly lower than in the U.S., and factories there benefit from economies of scale. Even with tariffs, many brands find that overall production costs remain lower.
2. High Production Capacity: Chinese factories are built for large-scale production. They can handle massive orders with speed and efficiency, something that’s harder to achieve in the U.S.
3. Strong Supply Chains: China has one of the most developed supply chain networks in the world. From sourcing fabrics to advanced machinery, everything needed for apparel production is readily available, making the process smoother and faster.
4. Advanced Manufacturing Technology: Many factories in China have adopted cutting-edge technology, offering high precision, automation, and advanced techniques that aren’t always available in smaller-scale U.S. production facilities.

Comparing Production in China vs. the U.S.

At first, I thought that shifting production to the U.S. might be the best way to avoid tariff-related costs. But as I looked deeper, I realized there are some key challenges with domestic manufacturing:

• Higher Labor Costs: In the U.S., wages are significantly higher, making production more expensive. These higher costs often mean that brands must raise their prices, which can impact competitiveness.
• Limited Manufacturing Infrastructure: Over the years, much of the U.S. apparel manufacturing industry has moved overseas. Finding large-scale, specialized production facilities here is much more difficult than in China.
• Longer Production Timelines: While local production eliminates international shipping delays, U.S. factories often have longer lead times due to lower production capacity.

The Reality of Tariffs—Are They a Dealbreaker?

When I first heard about tariff increases, I worried that they would make Chinese production unsustainable. But after speaking with industry experts and running the numbers, I found that the impact isn’t as devastating as it seems.

Many brands use strategies like tariff engineering, diversified supply chains, and cost balancing to minimize the financial impact. Even with tariffs, the lower base costs in China still make production there more affordable than shifting everything back to the U.S.

Final Thoughts—Why I’m Sticking with China (For Now)

After all my research, I’ve realized that while the apparel industry is changing, producing in China is still the best choice for my business and my clients. It makes the most sense for brands that require complex apparel construction and need at least 1,000 units per style. Additionally, one of the biggest advantages of manufacturing in China is the unmatched variety of materials, including trims and fabric options, which provide incredible flexibility and innovation. China’s well-established manufacturing infrastructure, expertise in high-volume production, and extensive material sourcing make it the ideal option for scaling apparel businesses.

That doesn’t mean I’m not open to exploring U.S. production in the future—but for now, the efficiency, affordability, and expertise that Chinese manufacturers offer simply can’t be matched.

I wanted to share this journey with you because I know many of us are facing the same questions. If you’re in the fashion industry and trying to navigate these decisions, know that you’re not alone. The landscape is evolving, but with the right research and strategy, we can continue to create high-quality products in the most efficient and sustainable way.

Stay tuned—I’ll be sharing a post soon about producing in Guatemala and the unique advantages it offers!

If you’re interested in learning more about apparel production or need guidance on sourcing, feel free to reach out—I’d love to help. 💙

➡️ Visit Savvy Apparel Studio for expert pattern making, tech packs, and production support.