Knitted T-shirts and vests market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for knitted T-shirts and vests in Croatia experienced significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2024. After an initial increase to 32.4 million pieces in 2019, consumption dropped sharply to 25.7 million pieces in 2020. The following years saw a steady recovery, with the market expanding each year to reach 35.5 million pieces by 2024.

This trajectory was shaped by changes in both domestic production and trade. Production declined from 4.1 million pieces in 2018 to under 3 million pieces in 2020 before partially rebounding. Imports, which form the bulk of supply, fell in 2020 but then grew consistently, exceeding 45 million pieces in 2024. Exports remained relatively stable, moderating the net available volume.

In value terms, the market showed resilience, growing from $95.0 million in 2018 to $130.7 million in 2024. The post-2020 period was marked by particularly strong value growth, suggesting a market shift towards higher-value items or increased unit prices alongside the volume recovery.

Production knitted T-shirts and vests in Croatia

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Croatia's production of knitted T-shirts and vests has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 8 559 thousand US dollars, marking a 9.6% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 32.9%, with an average annual decline of 12.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Croatia's production of knitted T-shirts and vests has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 2 995 thousand units were produced, representing a 16.3% contraction relative to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 36%, with an average annual decline of 13.8%.

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

Exports knitted T-shirts and vests from Croatia

Exports in kind, K unit

Exports of knitted T-shirts and vests from Croatia have declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports stood at 12 211 thousand units, showing a substantial year-on-year decrease of 12.5%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 18.6%, equating to an average annual decline of 6.6%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 14 997 thousand units, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 0.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Croatia in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and Bosnia and Herzegovina were the main markets for Croatia's exports of knitted T-shirts and vests in volume terms. Germany accounted for 59.6% of exports, Italy for 19.3%, and Bosnia and Herzegovina for 3.6%. Together, these three countries represented 82.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Exports of knitted T-shirts and vests from Croatia have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 32.5 million US dollars, reflecting a moderate 9.9% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 16.4%, with an average annual decline of 5.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and Slovenia were the primary destinations for Croatia's exports of knitted T-shirts and vests in value terms. Germany accounted for 48.6% of exports, Italy for 22.7%, and Slovenia for 7.0%. Together, these three countries made up 78.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports knitted T-shirts and vests to Croatia

Imports in kind, K unit

After a two-year increase, imports of knitted T-shirts and vests into Croatia declined. In 2020, imports stood at 34 902 thousand units, equivalent to a solid 18.4% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 4.5%, with an average annual decline of 1.5%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 42 753 thousand units, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 11.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Croatia in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and Bosnia and Herzegovina were the largest suppliers of knitted T-shirts and vests to Croatia in volume terms. Germany accounted for 20.8% of imports, Italy for 13.2%, and Bosnia and Herzegovina for 11.5%. However, their combined contribution was limited to 45.5% of total imports, indicating a diversified supplier structure.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year rise, imports of knitted T-shirts and vests into Croatia declined. In 2020, imports were valued at 106.2 million US dollars, showing a solid 13.2% decrease compared to the previous year. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 122.4 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 15.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Germany, and Austria played notable roles as suppliers of knitted T-shirts and vests to Croatia in value terms. Italy accounted for 20.1% of imports, Germany for 18.3%, and Austria for 8.5%. However, their joint share reached only 46.9% of total imports, reflecting a lack of dominance in the supplier structure.

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

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