• Analysis and Studies
• Knitted hats: import and export

Knitted hats are a popular and practical accessory, known for providing both warmth and style. Crafted from yarn through hand-knitting or machines, they come in a range of materials like wool, acrylic, and cotton. Wool is prized for its insulating qualities, while acrylic offers a more affordable, durable option. Cotton is often chosen for lighter hats in milder climates, and yarn blends, including cashmere or alpaca, add a touch of luxury and softness.

Knitted hats are available in various styles, including snug beanies, slouchy hats, and those with decorative pom-poms. Designs like earflap hats provide extra warmth for colder conditions, while berets add a chic, casual touch. These hats frequently feature intricate patterns such as ribbing or cables, and their color options are vast. Traditional versions, such as the Peruvian chullo, highlight the cultural importance of knitted hats across different regions.

Knitting hats by hand is a popular hobby, allowing for endless customization in terms of color, pattern, and yarn type: this makes knitted hats not only functional in cold weather but also a stylish accessory that can easily adapt to evolving fashion trends or personal preferences.

In 2022, knitted hats were the world's 413th most traded product, with a total trade of $8.73B, and between 2021 and 2022 the exports grew by 28.3%, from $6.8B to $8.73B.

In 2022 the country which exported the product the most was China, with a trade of $4.21B, ahead of Bangladesh ($726M), Vietnam ($665M), Italy ($411M), and Germany ($356M). Whereas the most significant importer was the United States, with a trade of $2.59B, followed by Germany ($734M), Japan ($388M), France ($376M), and United Kingdom ($309M).

We can observe that the most significant exporter, China, that accounts for 48.2% of exports, has the United States as the largest buyer, even though is diversified enough, Bangladesh and Vietnam also heavily rely on the United States for over 60% of their exports, underscoring America's role as a major consumer of low-cost textiles.

Italy and Germany, in contrast, focus on regional European trade, exporting primarily to neighboring countries like France, Switzerland, and Poland. East Asia shows regional trade integration, with Japan and South Korea being significant buyers for both China and Vietnam, whereas Bangladesh's heavy reliance on the United States’ market makes it more vulnerable to shifts in American demand compared to its competitors.

1. China (48.2%): 26.6% United States, 8.15% Germany, 5.88% Japan, 4.4% United Kingdom, 3.67% South Korea, 3.5% Netherlands, 3.39% Canada, 3.12% Poland, 2.73% Australia, 2.59% France, 1.35% South Africa
2. Bangladesh (8.31%): 68.5% United States, 6.23% Germany, 5.12% Canada, 2.26% Netherlands, 1.72% Poland, 1.54% United Kingdom, 1.19% Australia, 1.16% France 1.11% Japan
3. Vietnam (7.62%): 64.4% United States, 7.49% Japan, 6.43% South Korea, 3.93% Canada, 1.66% France, 1.18% Netherlands, 1.13% Germany
4. Italy (4.71%): 15.1% France, 12% Switzerland, 11.4% United States, 11.2% Germany, 5.38% United Kingdom, 4.29% South Korea, 4.26% China, 3.87% Japan, 3.32% Netherlands, 2.24% Austria, 1.98% Canada, 1.29% Poland
5. Germany (4.08%): 16.3% Poland, 12.4% France, 12% Austria, 6.73% Italy, 6.48% Netherlands, 4.75% United Kingdom, 4.59% Belgium, 0.59% Mexico, 0.49% United States, 0.46% China, 0.44% South Korea

We can observe that the top importer of knitted hats, the United States, has China as its largest supplier, followed by Bangladesh and Vietnam. Germany also relies heavily on China, along with significant contributions from European countries like the Netherlands and Poland, and Japan’s imports are predominantly from China, with Vietnam as a secondary supplier.

Whereas France has a diverse sourcing portfolio, including China, Italy, and other European countries. The United Kingdom’s imports are mainly from China, with additional supplies from Italy and Germany. This overview highlights China’s dominance as a supplier, with European markets showing a mix of regional and global sources and Japan’s strong reliance on Chinese products.

1. United States (29.7%): 43.2% China, 19.2% Bangladesh, 16.5% Vietnam, 4.72% Mexico, 1.82% Burma, 1.8% Italy
2. Germany (8.4%): 46.8% China, 8.58% Netherlands,82% Poland, 6.26% Italy, 6.16% Bangladesh, 1.02% Vietnam
3. Japan (4.44%): 63.8% China, 12.8% Vietnam, 4.1% Italy, 2.91% Mexico, 2.7% Indonesia, 1.17% France
4. France (4.3%): 29% China, 16.5% Italy, 11.7% Germany, 11.6% Netherlands, 4.94% Spain, 4.07% Ireland, 2.95% Vietnam, 2.24% Bangladesh, 1.8% Tunisia
5. United Kingdom (3.54%): 59.9% China, 7.16% Italy, 5.47% Germany, 4.4% Netherlands, 3.63% Bangladesh, 1.31% Vietnam, 1.22% Cambodia, 1.03% India

Between 2021 and 2022, the fastest growing exporter was China, with an increase of $994M, followed by Bangladesh ($265M), Vietnam ($237M), Germany ($64M), and Italy ($59.7M).

1. China: from $3.21B to $4.21B
2. Bangladesh: from $461M to $726M
3. Vietnam: from $428M to $665M
4. Germany: from $292M to $356M
5. Italy: from $351M to $411M

Whereas the imports grew the fastest in the United States, with an increase of $641M, followed by Germany ($131M), France ($93.6M), Canada ($93.2M), and Japan ($90.7M).

1. United States: from $1.95B to $2.59B
2. Germany: from $602M to $734M
3. France: from $282M to $376M
4. Canada: from $212M to $306M
5. Japan: from $297M to $388M

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