Shirts have been around in some form or another for as far back as ancient Egypt (3000 BCE). They allow for the aesthetic of form-fitting trimness while still giving enough room to maneuver. We have gone from shirts being undergarments to having flamboyant embroidery and frills donned exclusively by royalty (Sumptuary Law).

 

It’s safe to say that this robust article of clothing is beyond popular even today. The latest shirts import export data shows that over $68 billion of revenue was generated worldwide in 2022.

 

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Product Overview

The clothing industry is segmented into various subcategories. This segmentation is based on the manufacturing process and the target customer base. One broad category is Knit and Non-Knit, then there are clothes for men, women, and children. These are the commercial terms for global brands and exclude local handicrafts, which are loosely documented.

 

Sweaters, coats, jeans, jackets, suits, and pants all have their own supply chains, standard manufacturing processes, and common materials. This article focuses on the global trade data for Men’s Shirts in the year 2021. These may be made from a variety of materials, including cotton, silk, and polyester, and can be short or long-sleeved.

Export Analysis

All four of the top exporting countries of this commodity are the preferred locations to manufacture ready-made clothes. They all have favorable cultural, political, and social factors that make production and labor comparatively inexpensive for manufacturers. Bangladesh and China have already been leading the production for decades now.

 

Meanwhile, India and Germany have been leading in craftsmanship and high-quality products, respectively. The men’s non-knit shirts export data suggests that Vietnam is an emerging player in this industry. The Asian country’s trade policies have played a big role in achieving this position.

Top Exporting Countries (2021)

1. Bangladesh ($1.72 billion)
2. China ($1.71 billion)
3. Vietnam ($825 million)
4. India ($747 million)
5. Germany ($535 million)

Import Analysis

By and large, the main reason these countries import much of their men’s shirts is a matter of economic convenience. Due to the laws and high standards of living, labor-intensive production cycles like clothes can be very expensive. While there are a ton of small-scale craftsmen, large-scale operations cannot exist here without ramping up the prices of the products.

 

You can see in our free men’s non-knit shirts import data that imports also include textiles, fibers, and other raw materials. Hence, many clothes are imported by these countries to be repurposed for their own industries.

Top Importing Countries (2021)

1. United States ($2.37 billion)
2. Germany ($877 million)
3. Japan ($611 million)
4. Spain ($485 million)
5. France ($476 million)

What to Expect

Decentralized transportation and the Internet have made direct-to-consumer selling very popular, bypassing traditional retail supply chains. While this is still a small fraction of global trade, these models hold great opportunities for all kinds of traders. Shirts are close to consumer products and have a healthy and strong demand, it’s never too late to get into this business.

 

It’s important to find companies that are keen on reducing their environmental impact, investing in brand-building, and making quality products. Customization, sustainability, and inclusivity are some hot terms you should look out for.