Men's knitted shirts market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The market for men's knitted shirts in Romania saw strong expansion from 2018 to 2020, with volume rising from 4.0 million to 6.9 million pieces. This growth phase was supported by the entry of new international brands, such as the Italian retailer Camicissima in 2018, which broadened the available product range with non-iron shirts and knitwear, stimulating consumer interest.

After reaching a peak in 2020, the market entered a three-year contraction, declining to 3.3 million pieces by 2023. This downturn coincided with significant challenges for local manufacturers, including the disappearance of numerous textile production units and the loss of approximately 10 000 jobs in the sector.

A clear recovery emerged in 2024, as market volume jumped 28% to 4.3 million pieces. The rebound was fueled by stronger consumer demand, evidenced by Romanian men's spending on clothing and footwear approaching 10 billion lei, and by the rapid expansion of fashion e-commerce, which increased product accessibility and choice.

Production men's knitted shirts in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Romania's production of men's knitted shirts, measured in monetary value, declined in 2020 after two years of growth. In 2019, output peaked at 20 827 K $ US, but by 2020 it had fallen to 13 976 K $ US, marking a 32.9% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production dropped by 10.8%, with an average annual decline of 3.7%. The largest year-over-year increase occurred in 2019, when production rose by 22.2%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K unit

In terms of physical units, Romania's production of men's knitted shirts fell sharply in 2020. Output reached 1 156 K units, down 35.7% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 31.3%, with an average annual decline of 11.8%. The peak was in 2019 at 1 797 K units, which also saw the largest year-over-year increase of 31.0%.

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

Exports men's knitted shirts from Romania

Exports in kind, K unit

Romania's exports of men's knitted shirts, measured in units, declined for the third consecutive year in 2020. Exports totaled 1 643 K units, a 25.1% drop from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 40.4%, equivalent to an average annual decrease of 15.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Ireland, and France remained the top buyers of men's knitted shirts from Romania in terms of units. Italy accounted for 42.9% of exports, Ireland for 15.2%, and France for 12.5%. Together, these three countries represented 70.7% of Romania's total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Romania's exports of men's knitted shirts, measured in value, declined for the third year in a row in 2020. Exports amounted to 23 590 K $ US, down 25.4% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 29.1%, with an average annual decline of 10.8%.

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

In value terms from 2017 to 2020, Italy, Ireland, and France were the leading destinations for Romania's men's knitted shirt exports. Italy held a 46.9% share, Ireland 13.4%, and France 11.8%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 72.1% of total export value.

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

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

Imports men's knitted shirts to Romania

Imports in kind, K unit

Romania's imports of men's knitted shirts, measured in units, increased for the third consecutive year in 2020. Imports reached 7 356 K units, a sharp rise of 35.3% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 83.2%, with an average annual increase of 22.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania's imports of men's knitted shirts in kind were relatively balanced across partners. Turkey led with 22.0% of imports, followed by Poland at 13.6% and Germany at 12.2%. Together, these three countries accounted for 47.8% of total imports, with the remaining 52.2% spread across many other nations.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Romania's imports of men's knitted shirts, measured in value, declined for the second consecutive year in 2020. Imports totaled 25 381 K $ US, a modest decrease of 9.8% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 11.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.7%. The peak was in 2018 at 28 978 K $ US, which also saw the largest year-over-year increase of 27.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania's imports of men's knitted shirts in value terms were broadly distributed among suppliers. Italy accounted for 12.8% of imports, Germany for 12.7%, and Austria for 12.4%. Together, these three countries represented only 37.9% of total import value, with many other countries holding smaller but significant shares.

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

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