Driven jointly by the wave of digitalization and personalized consumption, the global POD (Print - On - Demand) market is reshaping the landscape of cross - border e-commerce at an astonishing pace. With the global market size reaching 10.21 billion US dollars in 2024 and projected to surge to 102.99 billion US dollars by 2034, the sector boasts a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26% over the decade. Undoubtedly, the POD track has emerged as the most explosive profit generator in the cross - border e-commerce field.

The 21st Guangzhou International Textile, Clothing and Printing Industry Expo 2026(hereinafter referred to as "ITCPE Guangzhou") is set to kick off at the Poly World Trade Center Expo (PWTC Expo) in Pazhou, Guangzhou, from May 19 to 21, 2026. This expo will fully showcase innovative products, cutting-edge technologies and intelligent services across the entire Print-on-Demand (POD) industrial chain, providing cross-border e-commerce practitioners and entrepreneurs in the personalized customization field with one-stop sourcing and solutions. As one of the core themes of the expo, POD, boasting a multi-billion-dollar market potential and a disruptive business model, will present the industry with a grand feast of industrial transformation from "large-scale manufacturing" to "mass customization" .

I. POD Market Boom: Driven by Three Core Growth Engines

1. E-commerce Ecosystem Empowerment: Zero Inventory, Global Reach

Global e-commerce sales are projected to soar from $6.3 trillion in 2024 to $8 trillion by 2027. Platforms such as Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon have integrated POD (Print-on-Demand) services, enabling small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to reach global customers without the need for inventory. Meanwhile, the managed models offered by Chinese cross-border e-commerce platforms like Temu, Shein, and TikTok have further maximized the timeliness advantage of POD through flexible supply chains featuring "small-batch, quick-response" capabilities. For instance, Temu sellers leveraging the combined strategy of "POD-based product testing + overseas warehouse stockpiling" have reduced inventory risks by over 80% and improved capital turnover efficiency by 10 times.

2. Generational Shift in Consumption: Emotional Value Surpasses Functional Needs

Gen Z and Millennials have become the mainstay of global consumption. Pursuing "self-identity" and "emotional connection", they have driven the shift of consumption from "purchasing for functionality" to "purchasing for meaning". According to a survey by Accenture, nearly 90% of consumers in European and American markets prefer personalized fashion products, with the interest rate among high-income consumers reaching as high as 94%. The average price of custom hoodies on Amazon exceeds $40, with a premium rate of 20% - 60%.

3. Technological Revolution Breakthrough: Mass Customization Becomes a Reality

Innovative technologies such as high-speed digital printing, AI-driven pattern generation, and distributed production networks have reduced the cost of single-unit customization to 1/3 of that of traditional manufacturing, while shortening the delivery cycle to within 7 days. For example, Fingerprint Technology's "Hummingbird Smart" platform leverages 6,000 types of one-piece customized products and resources from over 200 local factories worldwide, achieving the ultimate efficiency of "design in 8 minutes, launch in 24 hours, and delivery in 48 hours".

II. The POD Track: Restructuring Supply Chain Logic and Defining a New Paradigm for the Future Textile and clothing Industry

Centered on the zero-inventory operation of "production after order", the POD model has completely subverted the traditional textile and garment supply chain:

1. Risk Isolation and Cost Optimization:

The traditional model entails a 20%-30% risk of unsold inventory, while the POD model consolidates production costs and direct shipping fees, boosting capital turnover efficiency by 10 times. Taking the U.S. market as an example, leveraging the policy dividend of "ad valorem tax rate for small parcels reduced to 54%" coupled with market procurement trade policies, POD shipments achieve a 40% cost reduction compared to the full-service fulfillment model.

2. Agile Response and Traffic Acquisition:

AI design tools enable the batch generation of trending meme designs in 8 minutes. Combined with the "sales-production" logic, brands can quickly monetize during key moments such as holiday seasons and IP collaborations.

3. Emotional Premium and Brand Upgrade:

The repurchase rate of customized products is 30% higher than that of traditional e-commerce, with users demonstrating stronger loyalty due to emotional bonding. On Etsy, monthly sales of custom pet portrait paintings reach $57,000, accumulating over 10,000 positive reviews. Brand Crown & Paw creates novel designs by combining pet avatars with clothing styles, offering products ranging from posters to tote bags, which enjoy significant premium potential.

III. 2026 ITCPE Guangzhou: Panoramic Display of the POD Ecosystem to Empower Industrial Upgrading

As one of the premier exhibitions in the global textile and garment customization sector, 2026 ITCPE Guangzhou, themed "Intelligent Linkage Globally · Pioneering the Future", focuses on the intelligent, green, and high-end transformation of industries including textile & garment manufacturing, sewing, embroidery, printing, seamless technology, dyeing & finishing, and fabrics & accessories. It aims to create a world-class industry event integrating technology display, business matching, trend release, and industrial cooperation. Leveraging the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as a strategic pivot, the exhibition empowers enterprises to seize technological commanding heights and expand into global markets.

The exhibition welcomes over 60,000 professional visitors, covering the entire industrial chain including textile & garment manufacturing, printing, sewing, embroidery, dyeing & finishing, and fabrics & accessories. It brings together more than 1,000 global exhibitors to showcase innovative achievements and set industry benchmarks. Through its B2B matching system and VIP buyer delegation program, the exhibition facilitates efficient order conversion.

Meanwhile, a dedicated POD Customization Zone will be set up to showcase the following core highlights:

1. Technology Infrastructure Exhibition:

It will centrally showcase end-to-end manufacturing solutions for the entire POD industrial chain, including innovative technologies such as industrial-grade DTG/DTF printers, UV flatbed printers, eco-friendly fabrics, innovative inks and consumables, laser equipment, cutting machines, automatic packaging machines, AI design platforms, and distributed production networks. On-site demonstrations of the full "single-unit customization" process will allow visitors to intuitively experience the paradigm shift towards "mass customization".

2. Category Trend Release:

Apparel & Accessories: Basic customized categories such as custom T-shirts, hoodies, and socks remain the top-selling products, while the growth chart highlights emerging tracks including custom pins, backpacks, and shoes.

Furniture & Home Decor: Wall decorations boast a 14.2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), with the combination of aluminum plate paintings, tinplate paintings, and acrylic pendants becoming bestsellers; the demand for customized smart lighting (e.g., APP-controlled lights) has surged by 207% year-on-year.

Pet Economy: Search volume for customized collars and portrait pillows has skyrocketed by 218%, and the U.S. POD pet products market is projected to reach $200 million by 2025.

Digital Accessories: Customized categories such as phone cases, watch straps, and mouse pads meet Gen Z's "social currency" needs through material mixing and IP collaborations.

3. Ecosystem Resource Matching: Precise Alignment, Efficient Collaboration Facilitation

As an authoritative exhibition platform in the industry, ITCPE Guangzhou has always been committed to building an efficient and pragmatic bridge for cooperation, helping upstream and downstream enterprises in the POD industrial chain achieve precise connection and in-depth collaboration. During the exhibition, we will create more business opportunities for both buyers and sellers through the following initiatives:

1. Supply and Demand Information Release & Matching: Set up a supply-demand information wall and an online matching platform. Participating enterprises can release procurement needs and supply capabilities in advance, and the platform will achieve precise matching through intelligent algorithms to help both buyers and sellers quickly lock in cooperation partners.

2. One-on-One Business Negotiation Area: Provide private negotiation spaces for enterprises with intentions for in-depth cooperation. Equipped with professional translators and business service staff, we ensure efficient and smooth communication, facilitating the rapid conversion of cooperation intentions into actual orders.

3. Industry Leaders' Roundtable Forum: Invite leading enterprises in the POD field, e-commerce platform principals, and industry experts to conduct in-depth discussions on hot topics such as "Supply Chain Reconstruction Under the Customization Economy" and "Cross-border E-commerce POD Category Operation Strategies". They will share successful experiences, gain insights into industry trends, and provide strategic guidance for participating enterprises.

4. Cooperation Signing Ceremony: A special signing area will be set up at the exhibition site to provide formal signing ceremony services for enterprises that have reached cooperation intentions. This enhances the sense of ritual and influence of the cooperation, helping enterprises amplify their brand visibility and expand their market reach.

IV. Exhibition Value: Seize the Opportunity in the Hundred-Billion Market and Co-build the Future of the Customization Economy

For textile and garment enterprises, the POD Zone at ITCPE 2026 (Guangzhou Textile Expo) is not only a platform for technology display and trend insight, but also a key gateway to connect global resources and achieve transformation and upgrading:

Traditional Manufacturers: Transform from OEM manufacturing to brand intelligent manufacturing through the POD model, access 100,000+ cross-border sellers, and expand global sales channels.

Cross-border E-commerce Sellers: Obtain selection guides for customized products, leverage the platform's traffic support policies to quickly launch stores, reduce inventory risks, and increase profit margins.

Designers and Brands: Rely on AI design tools and distributed production networks to realize a closed-loop full-link of "design-production-sales", build personalized brands, and break through homogeneous competition.

Industry Associations and Industrial Parks: Through POD ecosystem empowerment, acquire global supply chain service capabilities at low cost and build their own supply chain brands.

Let’s gather at the POD Customization Zone of ITCPE Guangzhou Textile Expo to explore the new paradigm of customization economy featuring "zero inventory, high profitability, and rapid response". We provide comprehensive empowerment from theory to practice for industry practitioners, helping you seize opportunities in the hundred-billion market and achieve leapfrog growth from "product sales" to "ecological layout"!

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