Men's knitted trousers and shorts market in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Earlier Report Observations

The domestic market for men's knitted trousers and shorts in Bosnia and Herzegovina expanded significantly from 2021 onward, driven by evolving consumer habits and digital retail. Initial growth in 2021 stemmed from rising consumer demand for men's apparel and the increasing role of e-commerce, which made clothing more accessible to younger demographics. This trend was reinforced by ongoing modernization and capacity expansion within the local textile industry. A key regulatory shift occurred in 2023 when the European Union removed specific restrictions on textiles trade with Bosnia and Herzegovina, facilitating market access. Concurrently, new intellectual property laws provided stronger brand protection. By 2024, cultural factors came into play as demand surged for traditional Bosnian clothing, while e-commerce solidified its position as a major sales channel for apparel, collectively sustaining market expansion.

Trade flows for these garments shifted notably over the period. Import values rose sharply after 2021, partly reflecting eased access following the EU's trade barrier removal. Exports, while volatile, benefited from the sector's modernization efforts and the operational resilience of established garment manufacturers. The industry also navigated external shocks, such as supply chain disruptions and order drops during the early COVID-19 pandemic years, which temporarily affected production and employment. The sector began preparing for new EU sustainability regulations, like the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme, set to influence producers targeting the European market.

Production men's knitted trousers and shorts in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In value, 2018-2021, $ US

Annual dynamics of production in Bosnia and Herzegovina in value, 2018-2021, $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, unit

Annual dynamics of production in Bosnia and Herzegovina in kind, 2018-2021, unit

Exports men's knitted trousers and shorts from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Exports in kind, K unit

After two consecutive years of growth, Bosnia and Herzegovina's exports of men's knitted trousers and shorts declined in 2021. That year, exports reached 272.7 thousand units, representing a year-over-year decrease of 32.7%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 405.0 thousand units, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2019 at 43.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Italy was the dominant destination for Bosnia and Herzegovina's exports of men's knitted trousers and shorts in volume terms, accounting for 86.2% of total flows. Other countries each held significantly smaller shares during this period.

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

World map of product's exports from Bosnia and Herzegovina in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Bosnia and Herzegovina's exports of men's knitted trousers and shorts totaled 4 253 thousand US dollars, marking a 2.8% increase from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 36.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 4 457 thousand US dollars. The largest annual decline occurred in 2020 at 7.2%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 42.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Italy played the leading role in Bosnia and Herzegovina's exports of men's knitted trousers and shorts in value terms, capturing 87.4% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among other trading partners.

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

World map of product's exports from Bosnia and Herzegovina in value, 2018-2021

Imports men's knitted trousers and shorts to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Imports in kind, K unit

The import market for men's knitted trousers and shorts in Bosnia and Herzegovina experienced noticeable fluctuations during the period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 272.0 thousand units and peaked in 2021, showing a 2.3-fold difference between these years. In 2021, imports totaled 272.0 thousand units, surging by 129.3% year-over-year. The largest annual decline was recorded in 2020 at 17.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Turkey, Bangladesh, and China formed the key group of partners for Bosnia and Herzegovina's imports of men's knitted trousers and shorts in volume terms. Turkey accounted for 39.1% of imports, Bangladesh for 22.6%, and China for 12.5%, together representing 74.2% of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Bosnia and Herzegovina in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market in value terms showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Imports fell to their lowest point in 2020 at 2 222 thousand US dollars and reached their maximum in 2021, with a 2.5-fold swing between these years. In 2021, imports stood at 5 475 thousand US dollars, showing an abrupt uptick of 146.5% compared to 2020. The largest annual decline was recorded in 2020 at 9.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Turkey, Bangladesh, and China formed the core group of markets for Bosnia and Herzegovina's imports of men's knitted trousers and shorts in value terms. Turkey held a 39.7% share, Bangladesh 21.9%, and China 13.2%, together accounting for 74.8% of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Bosnia and Herzegovina in value, 2018-2021