China's textile exports will remain steady in 2006, said Cao Xinyu, vice chairman of China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textiles.

Cao made the remarks at the 87th China knitted cotton textile fair held in Shanghai recently, saying the trade frictions and disputes will continuously exist in some areas in the year.

Customs statistics showed that China exported 10.18 billion yuan (US$1.3 billion) worth of textiles and garments in January this year, up 23 per cent year on year.

Cao added that China's export to the markets of Europe and the United States will grow 15 per cent this year, and to Japan, 5 per cent, and to Hong Kong will rebound as some products will be re-exported via Hong Kong to other markets.

Besides, some new emerging markets including East Europe will become the new growth spot of China's textile export.

China's textile exports to Russia have grown over 30 per cent over the past five straight years.  

According to the latest information, the United States will make anti-dumping investigation on China's polyester staple fiber in one to two months, which will involve more than US$56 million and many enterprises in Jiangsu and Zhejiang in east China, Cao said.