Overview - Socks are essential clothing items that are widely used in daily life, characterized as fast-moving consumer goods with a relatively low average price compared to other textile and apparel products, making the sock market a vast opportunity [1][9] - In 2024, China's sock sales are projected to reach 12.229 billion pairs, generating a revenue of 101.074 billion yuan, with non-transparent socks accounting for over 60% of the market [1][9] - As living standards improve and consumer preferences evolve, there is a growing demand for comfort, functionality (such as antibacterial, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant features), and fashion, leading to increased opportunities in niche markets [1][9] Market Policies - The Chinese government has implemented various policies to support the development of the textile and apparel industry, including initiatives to promote fashionable domestic products and enhance the innovation of traditional brands [4][6] - Key policies include the promotion of cultural and tourism consumption, support for the innovation of time-honored brands, and the encouragement of high-quality development in the textile sector [4][6] Industry Chain - The upstream of the sock industry includes suppliers of raw materials such as cotton, wool, silk, and synthetic fibers, as well as equipment manufacturers for sock production [7] - The midstream consists of sock manufacturing companies, while the downstream includes various sales channels such as supermarkets, department stores, specialty shops, wholesale markets, and e-commerce platforms [7] Competitive Landscape - The sock industry in China is characterized by a low entry barrier, resulting in a large number of participants, primarily small and medium-sized enterprises, leading to a highly fragmented market [11] - In 2024, the top 10 brands in the sock market accounted for less than 5% of the total market share, indicating significant competition and product homogeneity [11] Company Analysis - **Langsha Co., Ltd.**: One of the world's largest sock manufacturers with advanced digital equipment and a daily production capacity exceeding 4 million pairs. In 2024, Langsha's revenue reached 380 million yuan with a gross profit of 77 million yuan, resulting in a gross margin of 20.38% [13] - **Jiansheng Group Co., Ltd.**: A leading manufacturer of knitted sports apparel, producing 500 million pairs of cotton socks annually. In 2024, the company's revenue was 2.574 billion yuan, with knitted sports socks accounting for 60.61% of total sales [15] Development Trends - The demand for socks is becoming increasingly diversified, with consumers seeking additional functionalities such as anti-slip, antibacterial, and odor-resistant features [17] - Smart socks equipped with sensors to monitor foot health and adjust temperature and humidity are expected to become a market trend, providing personalized experiences for consumers [17]