Knitted gloves and mittens market in Austria

Earlier Report Observations

The Austrian market for knitted gloves and mittens entered a period of significant transformation starting in 2020, driven primarily by the global COVID-19 pandemic. The surge in demand for gloves as personal protective equipment led several companies to expand their production capacities to meet new needs, setting the stage for subsequent growth in domestic output. This foundational shift occurred alongside a broader change in consumer behavior related to hygiene and safety awareness that influenced the entire apparel segment.

In the following years, evolving consumer preferences for sustainable and high-quality materials, such as merino wool, provided continued momentum for the market. This demand for premium products supported a notable increase in market size, which reached 61.2 million $ in 2022. Production value also grew steadily during this period, reflecting the industry's adaptation to these new consumption patterns post-pandemic.

The market landscape was further shaped by impending European Union regulatory changes. New standards for protective gloves, including EN ISO 374-1 and EN ISO 374-5, introduced stricter requirements for chemical and viral protection, affecting Austrian manufacturers and distributors from 2023 onward. These regulations contributed to a significant rise in production value to 18.4 million $ in 2023. The upcoming EU Product Safety Regulation, effective December 2024, along with continued workplace safety demands, solidified a regulatory environment focused on product standards and traceability, influencing market dynamics through the end of the period.

Production knitted gloves and mittens in Austria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Annual dynamics of production in Austria in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K 2u

Annual dynamics of production in Austria in kind, 2017-2020, K 2u

Exports knitted gloves and mittens from Austria

Exports in kind, K 2u

Austria's cross-border shipments of knitted gloves and mittens have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 1 144 thousand units, marking a significant 23.4% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 64.8%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 18.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Austria in kind, 2017-2020, K 2u

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia were the leading destinations for Austria's exports of knitted gloves and mittens in kind. Germany accounted for 46.9% of exports, Hungary for 7.1%, and Slovakia for 6.8%. Together, these three countries represented 60.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Austria's shipments of knitted gloves and mittens abroad have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 26 910 thousand US dollars, showing a solid 22.4% improvement over 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 71.5%, with an annualized growth rate of 19.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Czechia, and Switzerland were the main destinations for Austria's exports of knitted gloves and mittens in value terms. Germany held a 44.5% share, Czechia 6.0%, and Switzerland 5.5%. Collectively, these countries absorbed 56.0% of total export value.

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

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

Imports knitted gloves and mittens to Austria

Imports in kind, K 2u

After two years of growth, Austria's cross-border shipments of knitted gloves and mittens declined. In 2020, imports stood at 2 577 thousand units, down 7.3% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 6.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 779 thousand units, following the largest increase of 11.5% that same year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Austria in kind, 2017-2020, K 2u

From 2017 to 2020, China, Germany, and Sri Lanka were the primary sources for Austria's imports of knitted gloves and mittens in kind. China accounted for 66.9% of imports, Germany for 10.4%, and Sri Lanka for 6.8%. Together, these three countries made up 84.1% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year advance, Austria's imports of knitted gloves and mittens decreased. In 2020, imports totaled 54 327 thousand US dollars, an 8.1% year-on-year decline. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 8.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.6%. The peak import value was in 2019 at 59 102 thousand US dollars, after the largest increase of 10.6% in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Germany, and Sri Lanka were the main sources for Austria's imports of knitted gloves and mittens in value terms. China represented 48.9% of imports, Germany 17.1%, and Sri Lanka 11.2%. Combined, these countries absorbed 77.2% of total import value.

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

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