Current status of import and export of disposable hygiene products in China: reduction in imports and accelerated growth in exports 

China's import and export market for disposable hygiene products is characterized by large scale and steady growth. Based on the results of the first three quarters of 2020, the positive balance of foreign trade has already exceeded the figures for the entire 2019.

At the same time, exports continue to grow rapidly, while imports are gradually declining. At the same time, the industry faces a number of serious challenges:

• rising prices for raw materials,
• increase in production costs,
• strengthening international trade protectionism,
• tariff restrictions and trade barriers.

Continuous growth of foreign trade in disposable sanitary products

The disposable tissue industry is a labor-intensive manufacturing industry where competitiveness largely depends on:

• production costs,
• scale of production,
• efficiency of production processes.

Thanks to its huge domestic market, developed production base and large-scale facilities, China not only fully meets domestic demand, but also actively exports products around the world.

China's total imports and exports of disposable hygiene products continue to rise:

• in 2019, the volume of foreign trade reached 3.994 billion US dollars,
• the growth was 6.17%.

In the first three quarters of 2020, the total volume of foreign trade has already reached 3.285 billion US dollars, and the positive trade balance amounted to 1.903 billion US dollars, exceeding the figures for the entire 2019.

The main share is occupied by absorbent sanitary products

Since the disposable hygiene products category includes a large number of different products, the overall market is divided into:

• absorbent sanitary products,
• wet wipes.

In the structure of foreign trade, absorbent products occupy the main share - about 82% of the total volume.

China's exports continue to grow rapidly

Over the years, exports of Chinese disposable sanitary products have been growing steadily, with the growth rate continuing to accelerate.

In 2019, exports amounted to US$2.894 billion, an increase of 16.43%.

Structure of export products

The structure of exported products is quite balanced.

The largest share is occupied by:

1. Baby diapers and diapers made of any materials - 29.11%;
2. Wet wipes - 26.08%.

Since baby diapers and diapers occupy the largest share of exports, these products are actively exported to many countries around the world, including:

• Philippines,
• Australia,
• Vietnam,
• Russian Federation,
• South Korea,
• Venezuela,
• Chile,
• Myanmar,
• Haiti,
• South Africa.

The Philippines accounts for about 13% of exports of this product category, and Australia - about 10%.

Imports of disposable sanitary products are declining

The volume of imports of products from this industry into China continues to decline:

• in 2019, imports amounted to about 1.1 billion US dollars,
• decrease - 13.82% compared to the previous year.

In the first three quarters of 2020, imports amounted to approximately US$691 million.

Structure of imported products

The main share of imports is:

• baby diapers and diapers - 74%;
• feminine sanitary pads and tampons - about 20%.

Other product categories account for a relatively small share of imports.

Main supplier - Japan

China mainly imports high-quality baby diapers from Japan.

The share of Japanese products in imports of this category reaches 98%.

The need to improve international competitiveness

Most Chinese disposable tissue manufacturers are focused on mid- to low-price products, while high-end products are still largely imported.

In the background:

• economic growth,
• improving the standard of living of the population,
• changes in consumer habits,
• development of a modern culture of child care,

Demand for premium sanitary products and baby diapers continues to grow rapidly in China.

In this regard, the industry needs to:

• actively introduce foreign production and development experience,
• strengthen our own research and innovation,
• invest in high-tech production lines,
• attract qualified specialists,
• develop international brands,
• increase the export of high quality products.

This will enhance the international competitiveness of Chinese sanitary products and strengthen the position of Chinese manufacturers in the global market.