Knitted jerseys and pullovers market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian market for knitted jerseys and pullovers experienced a substantial contraction between 2018 and 2021, with volume falling from 218.8 million units to 138.0 million units. Market value declined even more sharply, dropping from $1.48 billion to $686 million. This period included the significant disruption of the global pandemic in 2020, which reduced consumer demand and strained supply chains.

A partial recovery in volume occurred in 2022, reaching 173.5 million units, supported by the industry's adoption of digital knitting and 3D technologies which enhanced production efficiency. However, volatility in raw material costs during the year pressured manufacturers' margins. The market volume dipped again in 2023 to 160.8 million units, as high machinery maintenance costs limited technological upgrades for many small producers, despite ongoing investments in energy-efficient circular knitting machines. By 2024, volume stabilized at 161.8 million units, but market value collapsed to $165 million. This was driven by rising yarn prices increasing production costs and a broader decline in textile sector revenues. Throughout these years, a strong shift toward sustainable and functional knitwear, marked by a 45% rise in eco-friendly yarn production from 2021, shaped product offerings but did not reverse the overall market contraction.

Production knitted jerseys and pullovers in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's production of knitted jerseys and pullovers, measured in monetary value, declined after two years of growth. In 2020, output was valued at 2 230 million US dollars, marking a 13.9% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production overall increased by 21.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 6.6%. The peak value occurred in 2019 at 2 591 million US dollars, while the most significant year-on-year increase was in 2018, at 28.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, M unit

Italy's production of knitted jerseys and pullovers, measured in physical units, fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, 44.4 million units were produced, representing a sharp decline of 41.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production dropped by 44.5%, equivalent to an annualized decrease of 17.8%. The highest output was recorded in 2018 at 102.8 million units, which also saw the largest increase of 28.2% that year.

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

Exports knitted jerseys and pullovers from Italy

Exports in kind, M unit

Italy's exports of knitted jerseys and pullovers, in terms of volume, decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 93.3 million units, down 18.5% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 19.2%, with an average annual decline of 6.9%. The peak volume was in 2018 at 115.8 million units, which also experienced a modest increase of 0.3% that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy exported knitted jerseys and pullovers to numerous countries. Even the top three destinations—France, Germany, and Spain—collectively accounted for only 40.7% of total export volume, highlighting a diverse market spread.

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 two years of growth, Italy's exports of knitted jerseys and pullovers, measured in value, declined. In 2020, exports were valued at 3 123 million US dollars, reflecting a significant drop of 11.1% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 10.8%, averaging an annual growth rate of 3.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 3 514 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 16.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Germany, and Switzerland were the leading buyers of Italian knitted jerseys and pullovers in value terms, accounting for 13.6%, 11.4%, and 9.8% of exports, respectively. Together, they made up 34.9% of total export value, but this share was not dominant, indicating a broad range of smaller trading partners.

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

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

Imports knitted jerseys and pullovers to Italy

Imports in kind, M unit

Following a two-year rise, Italy's imports of knitted jerseys and pullovers, in volume terms, declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 238.3 million units, which is 19.8% lower than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 11.9%, equating to an average annual decline of 4.1%. The peak volume was in 2019 at 238.3 million units, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 6.9%.

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

During 2017-2020, Bangladesh, China, and Spain were the core suppliers for Italy's imports of knitted jerseys and pullovers in volume, representing 27.9%, 17.5%, and 7.7% of imports, respectively. Combined, they accounted for 53.1% of total import flows.

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

Italy's imports of knitted jerseys and pullovers, measured in value, fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 1 990 million US dollars, showing a substantial decrease of 15.5% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 2.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 392 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 23.4% that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Bangladesh, and France were among the largest suppliers of knitted jerseys and pullovers to Italy in value terms, accounting for 19.0%, 13.6%, and 9.4% of imports, respectively. Together, they represented just 42.0% of total import value, underscoring a widely diversified base of trading partners.

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

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