Men's woven shirts market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The market for men's woven shirts in Germany experienced significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2024. The market volume fell from 70.5 million units in 2018 to a low of 36.9 million units in 2021, before recovering to 50.9 million units by the end of the period. The sharp decline in 2020 was primarily driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which drastically reduced demand for formal shirts as remote work and limited social gatherings became the norm.

After a rebound in 2022, market volume contracted again in 2023. This decline coincided with reported consumer uncertainty and steadily increasing manufacturing and procurement costs throughout the year. The market resumed growth in 2024, supported by strong demand for high-quality, tailored shirts with classic designs. This expansion occurred despite significant cost pressures from new legislation on supply chain transparency and circular economy, higher logistics prices, and a shortage of skilled labor.

The period also saw notable activity from major manufacturers. Eterna, a key player, was producing approximately 7 500 shirts per day in its European facilities in 2022 and marked its 160th anniversary in 2023. Fashion trends in 2024, featuring exotic prints and bold colors, further influenced the market landscape, though the core driver of volume remained the demand for premium shirts.

Production men's woven shirts in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In Germany, the production value of men's woven shirts reached 6 441 thousand US dollars in 2020, marking a 2.1% increase from the previous year. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production declined by 19%, which translates to an annualized rate of 6.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 6 308 thousand US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 8 010 thousand US dollars. The most significant drop was observed in 2019, with a decrease of 21.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Germany's production volume of men's woven shirts has fallen for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 114.1 thousand units, which represents a 2.2% decline compared to 2019. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 21.7%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 7.8%.

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

Exports men's woven shirts from Germany

Exports in kind, M unit

Germany's exports of men's woven shirts in terms of volume have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 34.0 million units, a sharp decrease of 26.7% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 25.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.2%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 47.0 million units, and the largest increase occurred that same year at 3.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's exports of men's woven shirts in volume terms were widely distributed across countries. Austria accounted for 15.2% of these exports, the Netherlands for 12.8%, and France for 10.7%, together making up just 38.7% of the total. The remaining 61.3% was spread among numerous other destinations.

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

The value of men's woven shirts exported from Germany has dropped for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 571 million US dollars, a 20.0% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports declined by 16.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 726 million US dollars, with the largest increase also occurring that year at 6.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of men's woven shirts in value terms had a broad range of buyers. Austria contributed 12.5% of the total export value, Switzerland 11.9%, and France 10.9%, together accounting for only 35.2% of the total. Many other countries held smaller but still notable shares.

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

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

Imports men's woven shirts to Germany

Imports in kind, M unit

Germany's imports of men's woven shirts in volume have decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported 117.3 million units, which is 19.8% lower than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 23.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.6%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 117.3 million units, and the largest increase occurred that same year at 2.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets—Bangladesh, China, and India—collectively made up 60.9% of Germany's total imports of men's woven shirts in volume terms.

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 men's woven shirts in value terms have declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 854 million US dollars, reflecting a substantial year-over-year decrease of 18.7%. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 21.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.6%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 123 million US dollars, and the largest increase occurred that year at 3.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the largest suppliers of men's woven shirts to Germany in value terms were Bangladesh, accounting for 26.3% of imports, China at 11.9%, and Vietnam at 8.3%. Together, they contributed 46.5% of total imports, indicating a diversified country structure with many other nations involved.

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

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