The current status of development, fundamental characteristics, and applications of metal fibres are discussed. It is found that many new types of material have been developed by using metal fibres,and that these materials have direct impact on the human daily life. Progress in metal fibre research and fibre products in China are described. China has a considerable competitive advantage in research and development of metal fibres and fibre products. There is a fairly good technical bases for predicting significant advances in the industrialization of metal fibres and fibre products in China.