Knitted gloves and mittens market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

The Hungarian market for knitted gloves and mittens grew steadily from 47.4 million pieces in 2018 to 63.2 million in 2022. This expansion was initially supported by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which sharply increased demand for protective gloves. The trend continued in 2021 as stricter European safety standards, particularly EN 388, drove demand for cut-resistant gloves in industrial and agricultural sectors.

Market volume then contracted to 41.7 million pieces in 2024. This decline coincided with global raw material price volatility and logistical challenges, which constrained supply. During the preceding year, the market saw the entry of new players, broadening the available range of knitted work gloves.

The regulatory environment continued to evolve, with the EU's PPE Regulation (2016/425) imposing stricter quality and labeling requirements for protective gloves effective from 2025. Simultaneous changes to national business activity codes affected glove manufacturers and distributors.

Production knitted gloves and mittens in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Hungary's production of knitted gloves and mittens has declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, output was valued at 4 068 K $ US, marking a 24.9% decrease compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production fell by 44.6%, which translates to an annualized decline of 17.9%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K 2u

Hungary's production of knitted gloves and mittens has decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 4 508 K 2u of these items, representing a 16.5% drop from the year before. Between 2018 and 2021, production declined by 50.9%, averaging an annualized rate of 21.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K 2u

Exports knitted gloves and mittens from Hungary

Exports in kind, K 2u

Hungary's exports of knitted gloves and mittens have grown for the third year running. In 2021, export volumes reached 12 120 K 2u, up 22.3% from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 50.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K 2u

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Romania, and Slovakia were the primary destinations for Hungary's knitted gloves and mittens exports in volume terms. Germany accounted for 33.3% of exports, Romania for 31.8%, and Slovakia for 6.3%, together making up 71.4% of total export flows.

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

Hungary's exports of knitted gloves and mittens have risen for the second consecutive year. In 2021, export value amounted to 8 408 K $ US, showing a sharp 50.0% increase year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 34.1%, with an annualized rate of 10.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 5 593 K $ US, which saw the largest decline of 10.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Romania, and France remained the top buyers of Hungarian knitted gloves and mittens in value terms. Germany held 30.5% of exports, Romania 20.8%, and France 8.5%, collectively accounting for 59.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports knitted gloves and mittens to Hungary

Imports in kind, K 2u

Hungary's imports of knitted gloves and mittens have increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, import volumes stood at 62 673 K 2u, reflecting a robust 12.1% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period 2018-2021, imports grew by 35.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K 2u

Between 2018 and 2021, China, Slovenia, and Czechia were the leading sources for Hungary's knitted gloves and mittens imports in volume terms. China contributed 43.8% of imports, Slovenia 16.0%, and Czechia 11.8%, together representing 71.5% of total import flows.

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

After two years of decline, Hungary's imports of knitted gloves and mittens rebounded. In 2021, import value was approximately 32 393 K $ US, indicating a 16.7% increase from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports rose by 4.9%, averaging an annualized growth of 1.6%. The lowest value occurred in 2020 at 27 754 K $ US, while the largest drop was in 2019 at 8.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Hungary's imports of knitted gloves and mittens in value terms were spread across a diverse range of partner countries. China accounted for 22.2% of imports, Czechia for 12.3%, and Slovenia for 10.5%, together making up 45.0% of total import flows.

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

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