(Yicai) July 22 -- China’s sewing machine manufacturers are embracing smart technologies to tap into new growth opportunities in international markets as they grapple with sluggish domestic sales and a restructuring of the global textile industrial chain.

Industry leader Jack Technology marked its 30th anniversary on July 18 by unveiling an artificial intelligence-powered sewing machine. This launch reflects a broader shift in China’s manufacturing industry, moving from simply offering good value for money to delivering real technological innovation. Smart technology is now emerging as the key to unlocking overseas markets for China’s sewing machine makers.

And the transformation is paying off. In the first quarter, Jack Tech’s net profit surged almost 31 percent year on year and revenue jumped 10 percent, with exports driving growth. As the world’s number one brand for 14 straight years, Taizhou-based Jack Tech’s success is underpinned by its ability to meet rising global demand with smarter products.

As labor costs rise, machines that can either replace or assist workers are becoming increasingly valuable, Chen Zengnan, one of Jack Tech’s biggest agents in South China, told Yicai. The integration of AI means these machines can now handle functions like motion tracking and automatic fabric adjustments, so as to better meet the evolving needs of global garment factories.

“Smart technology is a core driving force that is helping us get through this downturn in the industry,” He Ye, vice president of the China National Light Industry Council, said at the launch event. Chinese sewing machine makers are accelerating their shift toward high-end, intelligent products. Industry leaders need to stay ahead through innovation and by moving up the industrial chain, he added.

His comments reflect the current state of the market. Domestic sales have taken a hit as garment orders move overseas. “This year, domestic demand has pretty much been cut in half,” said a person in charge of a sewing machine manufacturer. But sustained growth in exports has helped fill the gap, and intelligent products are at the heart of that growth.

Complete Solutions

The shift to smarter products is not just about upgrading the machines themselves, it is also changing how Chinese firms do business abroad. As textile manufacturing moves to places like Southeast Asia and Africa, Chinese sewing machine makers are no longer just selling equipment, rather they are offering complete solutions integrating machines, services, and consulting.

Jack Tech’s founder Ruan Jixiang said previously that the migration of the supply chain is creating new demand for equipment, and Chinese companies’ on-the-ground presence overseas is spurring business in other areas such as equipment selection, production line planning and consulting services.

In emerging textile hubs like Bangladesh and Vietnam, Chinese brands’ smart sewing machines and digital systems are becoming the top choice for factories looking to boost quality and efficiency, Li Shiyong, founder of Dongguan Jack Intelligent Total Solution, told Yicai, adding that he is now fully focused on expanding abroad.

The deep integration of motor controls with AI and software is driving garment manufacturing toward greater efficiency, flexibility and sustainability, said Li Yongdong, a professor at Tsinghua University. This technological shift is aligning with global market needs and is giving Chinese sewing machinery a stronger foothold in the global supply chain. Technological innovation is proving to be key for companies to get through these tough times.

Editor: Kim Taylor