Knitted T-shirts and vests market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2022, the market for knitted T-shirts and vests in Germany showed notable fluctuations. Market volume, measured in physical units, contracted from 752 million units in 2018 to 632 million in 2020, before partially recovering to 698 million units by 2022. In value terms, the market followed a similar pattern, declining from $1.94 billion to $1.66 billion over the same two-year period and then expanding significantly to $2.15 billion in 2022, likely influenced by broader economic factors and changing consumption patterns.

By 2024, the market volume had decreased to 647 million units, with the value falling to $1.48 billion. This period saw active innovation from leading apparel companies. Nike introduced AI-based design customization for online shoppers, Adidas launched a garment take-back and remanufacturing scheme under its Circular Fashion Initiative, and H&M increased the share of recycled polyester in its T-shirts to 94%. These moves, alongside a strong retail clothing turnover exceeding pre-pandemic levels, highlighted the industry's pivot towards sustainability and personalization, reshaping product offerings and consumer engagement.

Production knitted T-shirts and vests in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of knitted T-shirts and vests increased in 2020, marking a recovery after two years of decline. Output was valued at 115.1 million US dollars, representing a significant 16.0% rise compared to 2019. The lowest point in this period was in 2019, with production at 99.2 million US dollars. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 4.1%, averaging an annual decline of 1.4%. The sharpest drop occurred in 2018, when production fell by 15.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Germany's production of knitted T-shirts and vests rose for the second year in a row in 2020. The country manufactured 6 813 thousand units, up 4.9% from the previous year. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production declined by 18.3%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 6.5%. The lowest output was recorded in 2018 at 6 440 thousand units, with the most substantial decline that year at 22.8%.

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

Exports knitted T-shirts and vests from Germany

Exports in kind, M unit

Exports of knitted T-shirts and vests from Germany fell for the second consecutive year in 2020. Shipments totaled 399 million units, a notable 14.4% drop compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 10.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.7%. The peak was in 2018 at 474 million units, which also saw the largest increase of 6.0% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of knitted T-shirts and vests in volume terms were distributed across multiple partners without a clear leader. Austria accounted for 12.1% of exports, the Netherlands for 10.9%, and Poland for 10.8%. Together, these three countries represented 33.8% of total flows, indicating a relatively fragmented export structure.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Germany's exports of knitted T-shirts and vests in value terms declined for the second year in a row in 2020. Exports stood at 2 408 million US dollars, down 2.9% year-over-year. Despite this recent drop, over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 5.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 554 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 11.6% that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's export portfolio for knitted T-shirts and vests in value terms was diverse, with no single partner dominating. Switzerland led with 13.3% of exports, followed by Austria at 12.1% and France at 11.0%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 36.4% of total export value, reflecting a broad distribution among trading partners.

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

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

Imports knitted T-shirts and vests to Germany

Imports in kind, M unit

Imports of knitted T-shirts and vests into Germany decreased for the second consecutive year in 2020. The country imported 1 024 million units, a 12.6% decline from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 13.6%, averaging an annual decrease of 4.7%. The peak was in 2018 at 1 219 million units, which also saw the largest increase of 2.9% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's imports of knitted T-shirts and vests in volume terms were heavily concentrated in a few key suppliers. Bangladesh was the largest source, accounting for 44.8% of imports, followed by Turkey at 11.6% and India at 8.8%. Together, these three countries made up 65.2% of total import volumes, establishing them as the primary sources.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Germany's imports of knitted T-shirts and vests in value terms declined for the second year in a row in 2020. Imports amounted to 3 954 million US dollars, down 4.8% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 7.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 4 394 million US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 2.7% that year. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 5.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's imports of knitted T-shirts and vests in value terms were led by three main suppliers. Bangladesh topped the list with 28.9% of import value, followed by Turkey at 17.0% and China at 9.4%. Collectively, these countries accounted for 55.4% of total import flows, highlighting their dominant role in Germany's supply chain.

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

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