Knitted T-shirts and vests market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for knitted T-shirts and vests in Spain fluctuated significantly between 2018 and 2024, peaking at 387.1 million units in 2019 before dropping sharply to 246.8 million units in 2021. Domestic production fell steadily throughout the period, from 35.1 million units in 2018 to 10 million units in 2024, a decline accelerated from 2021 by rising manufacturing costs that undermined the competitiveness of local producers.

Market volume rebounded to 371 million units in 2022, driven primarily by a surge in imports. This growth was supported by a 37% increase in online clothing sales in Spain between 2022 and 2024 and a shift in consumer preferences towards organic or recycled fabrics, with over 34% of consumers prioritizing such materials by 2024, expanding the digital and sustainable segments of the market.

By 2024, production costs per unit had risen 19.6% year-on-year, deepening a crisis in the local textile industry. However, the market volume remained relatively high at 355.7 million units, sustained by strong online sales, exclusive brand collaborations influencing trends, and the commercial dominance of football clubs like Real Madrid in merchandise and shirt sales.

Production knitted T-shirts and vests in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Spain's production of knitted T-shirts and vests has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 142.6 million US dollars, marking a significant 29.7% drop compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 40.2%, which translates to an average annual decline of 15.7%. The peak was reached in 2018, with a value of 247.4 million US dollars, when production saw its largest increase of 3.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Spain's production of knitted T-shirts and vests has decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 23 138 thousand units, representing a sharp 28.7% decline from the year before. Over the 2017-2020 period, production dropped by 34.8%, equating to an annualized rate of decline of 13.3%.

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

Exports knitted T-shirts and vests from Spain

Exports in kind, M unit

Spain's exports of knitted T-shirts and vests have fallen for the second year running. In 2020, the country exported 266.6 million units, which is 27.4% lower than in 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 22.6%, with an average annual decline of 8.2%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 447.4 million units, when exports saw their largest increase of 30.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain's knitted T-shirts and vests were exported to a wide range of markets. Portugal accounted for 16.7% of exports in volume, France for 14.2%, and Italy for 13.2%, together making up 44.1% of total exports. The remaining 55.9% was distributed among numerous smaller destinations.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Spain's export value for knitted T-shirts and vests totaled 1 040 million US dollars, showing a notable 24.2% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 25.3%, with an average annual decline of 9.3%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, though it was minimal at 0.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Italy, and Portugal were the top buyers of Spain's knitted T-shirts and vests in value terms, but they did not dominate the market. France accounted for 14.0% of export value, Italy for 12.7%, and Portugal for 8.9%, together representing 35.6% of total exports. The rest was spread across a diverse array of smaller partners.

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

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

Imports knitted T-shirts and vests to Spain

Imports in kind, M unit

After two years of growth, Spain's imports of knitted T-shirts and vests declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 503.0 million units, a 30.3% drop from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 23.3%, with an average annual decline of 8.5%. The peak volume was in 2019 at 722.0 million units, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 5.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bangladesh, Turkey, and India were the leading suppliers of knitted T-shirts and vests to Spain in volume terms. Bangladesh accounted for 51.9% of imports, Turkey for 9.8%, and India for 7.5%, together making up 69.1% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following two years of improvement, Spain's imports of knitted T-shirts and vests fell. In 2020, imports reached 1 587 million US dollars, which is 20.2% lower than in 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 16.3%, with an average annual decline of 5.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 988 million US dollars, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 3.6%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Bangladesh, Turkey, and China formed the core group of suppliers for Spain's imports of knitted T-shirts and vests in value terms. Bangladesh accounted for 31.8% of import value, Turkey for 13.8%, and China for 7.4%, together representing 53.1% of total imports.

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

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