Men's knitted outerwear market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the market for men's knitted outerwear in Russia saw its volume rise to 5.46 million units by 2021. This growth was initially moderated but was later propelled by the COVID-19 pandemic, which shifted consumer preferences towards functional clothing and accelerated preparations for the mandatory 'Honest Sign' product labeling system. The post-2020 recovery in domestic demand, the emergence of new segments like sportswear, and early effects of import substitution policies under sanctions all contributed to expanding local production and overall market size.

A pivotal shift occurred from 2022 onward, triggered by a 27% drop in new international brands entering Russia and the subsequent mass exit of established foreign players. This created immediate opportunities for domestic, Turkish, and Chinese brands to capture market share. Sanctions and a focused import substitution policy became primary drivers, leading to a sharp increase in local production from 478 000 units in 2021 to 875 000 units by 2023. Concurrently, the mandatory labeling regime was expanded to cover nearly all everyday clothing by April 2024. These structural changes caused the total market volume to fluctuate, falling to 3.16 million units in 2022 before partially recovering, as consumer preferences solidified around Russian brands and more affordable segments, supported by the expansion of online sales channels.

The trend of rising domestic output continued firmly, with production reaching 1.16 million units by 2025. The market consolidated around local manufacturers and new Russian labels that filled the niches left vacant. The ongoing expansion of product labeling requirements and the development of multichannel retail further integrated the market. Throughout the entire period, import substitution remained the consistent force behind the sustained growth in manufacturing volumes.

Production men's knitted outerwear in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K unit

Men's knitted outerwear production in Russia has been growing for three consecutive years. In 2021, Russia produced 478 thousand units, marking a 7.0% increase from 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 52.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 15.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K unit

Exports men's knitted outerwear from Russia

Exports in kind, K unit

Export volumes showed significant fluctuations during this period. The lowest point was in 2019 at 74 thousand units, while exports peaked in 2021 at 468 thousand units, representing a 6.3-fold difference. Compared to 2020, 2021 saw a 4.5% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 71.6% drop, while the most substantial growth was in 2020 with a 502.0% surge.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K unit

From 2018 to 2021, Kazakhstan and Belarus dominated the export markets in volume terms, together accounting for 80.3% of total flows, with other partners playing a supplementary role.

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

World map of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, men's knitted outerwear exports from Russia declined in 2021. Exports reached 7 206 thousand US dollars, down 3.9% from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 113%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 28.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 7 496 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 53.6%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Kazakhstan and Belarus were the primary destinations for exports in value terms, jointly representing 83.1% of total flows, while the remaining share was distributed among other markets.

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

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

Imports men's knitted outerwear to Russia

Imports in kind, K unit

Imports of men's knitted outerwear into Russia have risen for the second consecutive year. In 2021, Russia imported 5 440 thousand units, showing a sharp increase of 28.9% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 30.6%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 9.3%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 3 501 thousand units, with the largest decline that year at 15.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K unit

From 2018 to 2021, three key markets—China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh—collectively accounted for 69.0% of total imports in volume terms for men's knitted outerwear to Russia.

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

World map of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Russia imported men's knitted outerwear worth 62 899 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp rise of 35.5% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 37.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 12.0%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, China (37.7% of imports in value terms), Vietnam (13.5%), and Bangladesh (12.2%) consistently served as the main sources for imports, together making up 63.4% of total flows.

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

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