With steadily growing demand, exports continue to show strong growth. Most suppliers are anticipating overseas shipments to increase by at least 20 percent in 2006. Exports in the beginning of 2006 have already increased by more than 20 percent invalue.

In 2005, the country shipped more than 259 million pieces of men's, women's and children's swimwear worth about US$383 million. Exports increased 26 percent in volume and38 percent in value compared to the previous year.

The elimination of all WTO textile quotas in 2005 helped propel the US to become the top importer of China-made swimwear.

In that year, the US purchased US$79 million worth of the product, an increase of more than 500 percent in value from 2004.

Regionally, however, the EU takes the top spot with 92 million pieces worth US$128 million in imports. Germany, the UK, Italy, France and Spain are the main destinations for shipments.

OEM orders make up the bulk of shipments from China, especially those bound for the US and the EU. About 70 percent of the country's swimwear exports are for OEM clients. Many small companies devote their entire production to OEM business.

OBM products are shipped mainly to Eastern Europe, South America and Africa.

This report covers China suppliers that produce swimwear for men, women and children.

The Products & Prices section details both current and upcoming trends for swimwear. The features and prices of each type are discussed according to low end, midrange and high end. The different materials used and where they are sourced from are detailed in this section.

The R&D section discusses how makers are improving the quality of fabric and accessories as part of their efforts to release more functional and value-added designs.