Women's knitted swimwear market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The Portuguese market for women's knitted swimwear expanded in volume from 3.4 million units in 2018 to 4.2 million units in 2019. This growth was primarily driven by the entry of new domestic brands like Kalaia, which increased product variety and appealed to fashion-conscious consumers. Simultaneously, a rising interest in swimming as a sport and hobby boosted demand, with technological advances such as neoprene-infused fabrics enhancing the functionality of swimwear.

The market contracted sharply to 2.9 million units in 2020 and further to 2.0 million units in 2021, as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional retail and events. However, the accelerated adoption of e-commerce and social media sales channels helped mitigate the decline by maintaining consumer access to swimwear brands. During this period, Portuguese brands continued to emphasize comfort and innovative design, which remained key purchase factors.

By 2023, market volume recovered to 3.1 million units, supported by sustained trends in sustainability and technological innovation. New Portuguese brands emerged with differentiated cuts and eco-friendly materials, while global players like Speedo introduced recycled collections, influencing local preferences. The growing importance of online platforms for discovery and purchase further solidified the market's resilience, with a continued focus on design, comfort, and sustainable materials shaping consumer choices through 2025.

Production women's knitted swimwear in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In Portugal, the value of women's knitted swimwear production reached 10 980 K $ US in 2021, marking a significant year-on-year increase of 50.5%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 46.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 13.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 7 298 K $ US, with the largest decline occurring that same year at 33.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K unit

Portugal's production volume of women's knitted swimwear has declined for three consecutive years. In 2021, output stood at 297.2 K units, representing a sharp decrease of 40.8% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production fell by 70%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 33.1%.

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

Exports women's knitted swimwear from Portugal

Exports in kind, K unit

After two years of decline, Portugal's exports of women's knitted swimwear rebounded in 2021, reaching 1 411 K units—a 58.9% increase compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 2.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -0.9%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 888 K units, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 25.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, the United Kingdom, and France formed the core of Portugal's exports in volume terms, accounting for 24.3%, 14.3%, and 12.1% of total exports, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 50.7% of all export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market for women's knitted swimwear exports from Portugal showed notable fluctuations during this period. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 12 190 K $ US, while the highest occurred in 2021 at 20 970 K $ US—a peak-to-trough ratio of 1.7 times. In 2021, exports surged by 72.0% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 23.0%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Portugal exported women's knitted swimwear to numerous countries, with even the largest destinations—the United Kingdom, France, and Spain—accounting for only 46.1% of total export value combined.

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

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

Imports women's knitted swimwear to Portugal

Imports in kind, K unit

Portugal's imports of women's knitted swimwear declined for the second consecutive year in 2021, totaling 3 083 K units—a 5.5% decrease compared to the prior year. From 2018 to 2021, imports fell by 19.6%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 7.0%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 4 525 K units, with the largest decline occurring in 2020 at 27.9% and the largest increase in 2019 at 18.0%.

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

In the 2018-2021 period, Spain, China, and France were the main sources of women's knitted swimwear imports to Portugal in volume terms, accounting for 34.9%, 15.9%, and 15.8% of total imports, respectively. Together, these three countries comprised 66.5% of all import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Portugal's imports of women's knitted swimwear declined for the third consecutive year in 2021, totaling approximately 18 189 K $ US—a contraction of 3.5% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 36.9%, with a compound annual decline rate of 14.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, France, and Italy accounted for the largest share of Portugal's imports in value terms, representing 39.2%, 17.2%, and 10.8% of total imports, respectively. Together, these three countries comprised 67.2% of all import flows.

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

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