从制造到智造，轻工业向新而行

Core Insights - The light industry in China has established itself as the largest producer and exporter of light industrial products globally, with significant growth in production scale, market performance, and export volume since 2020 [1][10]. Industry Scale and Market Performance - By 2024, the number of light industry enterprises in China is projected to reach 136,600, with an average annual growth rate of 5.89% since 2020 [1]. - Retail sales of key light industry products are expected to reach 7.93 trillion yuan, accounting for 16.2% of total retail sales of consumer goods [1]. - The total export value of light industry products is anticipated to be 925.4 billion USD, with an average annual growth rate of 7.17% since 2020 [1]. Technological Advancements and Upgrades - The light industry is undergoing a dual transformation driven by intelligent upgrades and green transitions, with significant improvements in smart manufacturing capabilities [3][4]. - As of now, 1,260 national-level 5G factories exist, with 167 in the light industry, representing 13% of the total [4]. - The proportion of smart home appliances has increased from 38% to 62% during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, contributing to a projected revenue of 1.95 trillion yuan in 2024, a 31.6% increase from 2020 [3]. Innovation and R&D Investment - The light industry is witnessing a continuous increase in innovation investment, with R&D expenditure intensity rising from 1.72% at the end of the "13th Five-Year Plan" to 2.31% in 2023, reflecting an annual growth rate of 9.2% [5][6]. - The number of authorized invention patents in the light industry has exceeded 1.79 million, with effective invention patents increasing from 127,000 in 2020 to 214,000 in 2024, showing an annual growth rate of 12.3% [7]. Market Competitiveness and Export Performance - The light industry has strengthened its market competitiveness through supply innovation, channel upgrades, and open cooperation, with exports accounting for 25.9% of the national total in 2024, maintaining the top position for five consecutive years [10]. - From 2020 to 2024, the export of light industrial products to countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative increased from 30% to 33%, and exports to ASEAN countries rose from 13.7% to 15% [10]. Future Outlook - Looking ahead to the "15th Five-Year Plan," the light industry aims to enhance innovation capabilities, brand influence, and sustainable development, with goals to cultivate over 10 globally recognized brands and maintain the highest international market share by 2030 [11].