The Impact of ESG Performance on Textile Industry Green exports under the Dual Carbon Goals

Against the backdrop of global efforts to address climate change, the dual carbon goals have emerged as a critical development directive for nations worldwide. The textile industry, as a traditional yet significant sector within the global economy, has faced considerable environmental and social challenges. The Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework has offered a novel perspective for enterprises seeking sustainable development across these three dimensions. This study integrated data from publicly listed textile companies in China spanning the years 2009 to 2023, incorporating ESG scores derived from the Huazheng Evaluation System. It conducted a comprehensive analysis of the influence of ESG performance on textile green export activity within the context of the dual carbon objectives. Through both theoretical exploration and empirical testing, the study revealed the underlying mechanisms at play. The findings indicated that strong ESG performance could enhance textile firms’ green export competitiveness by improving corporate reputation and alleviating financing constraints. Furthermore, empirical results confirmed a significant positive correlation between ESG performance and green export scale in the textile sector. This research provides both theoretical support and practical guidance for textile enterprises aiming to enhance their green export capabilities through improved ESG practices under the dual carbon goals.