Ion-exchange resin has capacity of exchange, selection, adsorption and catalysis in the industrial wastewater treatment. It was mainly used for the recovery of heavy metals or rare metals, purification of toxic substances and the removal of acidic or alkaline organic material.The research progresses of ion-exchange resin(anion exchange resin, cation exchange resin, amphoteric ion exchange resin, chelate resin and redox resin) in industrial wastewater treatment were reviewed. It was also pointed out that because of its advantages of deep purification, high efficiency and comprehensive recovery of the various metals, the method of ion-exchange resin was one of the most widely used technology for industrial treatment in China, which would get more in-depth application in the field of water treatment.