Cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers in Italy showed significant fluctuations from 2018 to 2024. Starting at 85.0 million units in 2018, it dropped to a low of 63.0 million units in 2020, then recovered sharply to 87.8 million units in 2022. This was followed by a contraction to 75.8 million units in 2023 before a slight recovery to 77.6 million units in 2024. Over the same period, domestic production fell steadily from 19.6 million to 5.8 million units, making imports the dominant supply source.

In 2023, the market volume declined by 14% to 75.8 million units. This downturn coincided with reported weakness in apparel trade and an increase in bankruptcy proceedings within the Italian textile sector, indicating broader economic difficulties. Simultaneously, a significant rise in demand for sustainable fibers began to reshape supply chain strategies, with a 48% increase in the use of eco-friendly yarns between 2021 and 2024.

The market stabilized in 2024, edging up to 77.6 million units. This occurred despite volatility in raw material and energy costs, which affected producer profitability, and a reported cotton shortage impacting over a third of knitwear production. Growth was supported by a 24% increase in sustainable knitwear lines using recycled yarns and technological innovations like direct-to-garment printing, which enhanced customization and local manufacturing capabilities.

Production cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's production of cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 479.7 million US dollars, marking a 23.6% rise compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 250.3 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 7.9%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 55.1%. Overall, between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 76.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 20.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. In 2017, volumes reached their minimum, while they peaked in 2018, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 1.9 times. In 2020, Italy produced 10 168 thousand units of cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers, representing a 16.4% decrease from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 19 627 thousand units. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 38.0%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 93.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Exports cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers from Italy

Exports in kind, M unit

After a two-year increase, Italy's volume of cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers exports declined. In 2020, Italy exported 34.9 million units, which is 11.3% less than the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 39.3 million units, which also saw the largest increase of 11.0%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Italy in kind, 2017-2020, M unit

From 2017 to 2020, the partner structure for exports in kind was balanced rather than concentrated. Germany accounted for 12.2% of exports in kind, Spain for 12.0%, and the United Kingdom for 11.5%. Together, these three countries represented 35.7% of total flows, while many other countries made up the remaining 64.3%.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Italy in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year rise, cross-border shipments of cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers from Italy declined. In 2020, export volume reached 1 165 million US dollars, representing a 3.2% decrease compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 204 million US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2018 at 26.2%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 50.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 14.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of exports in value terms remained highly diversified. The United Kingdom accounted for 13.0% of exports in value terms, Switzerland for 12.3%, and Germany for 11.1%. Together, these three countries accounted for only 36.4% of total flows, with a long tail of smaller markets forming the remaining 63.6%.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Italy in value, 2017-2020

Imports cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers to Italy

Imports in kind, M unit

After a two-year gain, imported volumes of cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers in Italy declined. In 2020, Italy imported 105.6 million units, constituting a robust reduction of 16.9% compared with 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 105.6 million units. The largest increase occurred in 2018 at 12.2%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 2.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 0.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Italy in kind, 2017-2020, M unit

From 2017 to 2020, Bangladesh, China, and Spain formed the largest group of suppliers of cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers to Italy. Bangladesh accounted for 30.6% of imports in kind, China for 11.3%, and Spain for 6.3%. Their combined contribution was limited to 48.2% of total imports in kind, reflecting a diversified country structure.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Italy in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year rise, cotton knitted jerseys and pullovers shipments to Italy from abroad declined. In 2020, imports reached 917 million US dollars, indicating a substantial reduction of 12.8% versus the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 052 million US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2018 at 30.7%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 17.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the partner structure for imports in value terms was balanced rather than concentrated. Bangladesh accounted for 14.8% of imports in value terms, China for 12.9%, and France for 10.2%. Together, these three countries jointly represented 37.9% of total flows, with many other countries accounting for the remaining 62.1%.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Italy in value, 2017-2020