Cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers in Hungary contracted sharply from 18.8 million units to 9.0 million units. However, the market value increased over the same period, reaching 79.6 million USD in 2020 compared to 61.2 million USD in 2018.

Hungarian exports of these garments grew steadily from 2.0 million units in 2018 to 10.5 million units in 2025, while imports declined from 20.6 million units to 15.2 million units over the full period, contributing to a smaller net import volume.

By 2025, fashion trends such as knitted and crocheted items, especially thin cotton pullovers and long cardigans, gained popularity, alongside a rising consumer interest in sustainable and organic cotton products, reflecting shifts towards comfort and style in the market.

Production cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Hungary's production of cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 1 680 K $ US, marking a sharp year-on-year decrease of 31.7%. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, production fell by 50.1%, with an annualized decline rate of 20.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K unit

Hungary's production of cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers dropped for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 98.0 K units were produced, representing a significant year-on-year decline of 50.7%. Between 2018 and 2020, production decreased by 58.8%, which translates to an annualized rate of 25.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K unit

Exports cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers from Hungary

Exports in kind, K unit

Export volumes showed considerable volatility during this period. The lowest point was in 2019, with 1 772 K units, while exports peaked in 2021 at 6 203 K units—a 3.5-fold increase from the 2019 low. In 2021, exports surged by 35.8% compared to 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 10.7%, while the largest increase was in 2020, jumping by 157.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K unit

From 2018 to 2021, Hungary's export structure in kind was quite diversified. Poland accounted for 17.0% of exports, Romania for 13.8%, and Croatia for 13.2%. Together, these three partners made up 44.0% of total flows, with the remaining 56.0% spread across numerous smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values experienced notable fluctuations over these years. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 11 635 K $ US, while the peak came in 2021 at 31 689 K $ US—a 2.7-fold difference. In 2021, exports rose sharply by 82.0% compared to 2020. The largest decline was in 2019, down by 11.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, the largest buyers of Hungarian cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers in value terms were Czechia, with 17.0% of exports, Italy at 13.6%, and Germany at 12.4%. However, even combined, these three countries represented only 42.9% of total export value, highlighting a broadly diversified partner base.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021

Imports cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers to Hungary

Imports in kind, K unit

In 2021, Hungary imported 11 651 K units of cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers, a strong decline of 13.5% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 43.3%, with an annualized decline rate of 17.2%. The largest drop was in 2019, falling by 37.7%, while the largest increase was in 2020, up by 5.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K unit

From 2018 to 2021, Turkey was the top source for Hungary's imports in kind, accounting for 24.4%, followed by China at 20.6% and Poland at 15.8%. Together, these three countries made up 60.7% of total imports, remaining the main suppliers.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Hungary imported 84 876 K $ US worth of cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers in 2021, a strong year-on-year reduction of 11.0%. Over the 2018–2021 period, imports increased by 19.6%, with an annualized growth rate of 6.2%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 70 715 K $ US, while the highest was in 2020 at 95 321 K $ US. The largest increase occurred in 2020, rising by 34.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

During 2018–2021, Turkey led Hungary's import structure in value terms with 25.3%, followed by Germany at 15.3% and Poland at 13.4%. These three destinations together accounted for 54.0% of total import flows, maintaining their position as the leading sources.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021