• Analysis and Studies
• Walking sticks: import and export

Walking sticks have a long history as practical mobility aids and cultural symbols. They primarily provide support and stability for individuals with mobility challenges, including the elderly, but in addition to their functional role, walking sticks can also serve as fashion accessories or status symbols in various cultures.

There are different types of walking sticks designed for specific uses, including supportive canes, folding canes for travelers, hiking sticks for outdoor activities, and decorative canes that showcase intricate designs, and they can be made from various materials, such as wood for durability, aluminum for lightweight portability, and carbon fiber for strength.

Culturally, walking sticks often symbolize authority and wisdom, sometimes serving as ceremonial items. They offer health benefits like improved stability, reduced pain through weight redistribution, and increased confidence for users.

In 2022, walking sticks were the world's 1104th most traded product, with a total trade of $333M, and between 2021 and 2022 the exports grew by 9.56%, from $304M to $333M.

In 2022 the country which exported walking sticks the most was China, with a trade of $200M, ahead of Chinese Taipei ($43.1M), Czechia ($27.7M), Germany ($12.7M), and Netherlands ($10.9M). Whereas the most significant importer was the United States, with a trade of $73.7M, followed by Germany ($32.7M), Japan ($18.2M), France ($18.1M), and South Korea ($15M).

The graphic shows the complex interrelationships and dependencies among countries in the walking stick trade, shaped by economic strategies, geopolitical considerations, and consumer demand. China, the leading export market, has trade ties primarily with the United States, Germany, and South Korea.

Following China, Chinese Taipei emerges as the second-largest exporter, focusing its exports mainly on the United States and Japan, highlighting important trade dependencies in the region. Czechia positions itself as a notable player in the market, maintaining strong trade ties with Germany and the United States, reflecting its successful niche market strategies, whereas Germany's exports are primarily directed toward Austria and France, indicating solid regional trade connections. Meanwhile, the Netherlands serves as a crucial trade hub within Europe, facilitating trade with neighboring countries.

1. China (59.9%): 26% United States, 6.38% Germany, 6.03% South Korea, 4.34% Spain, 3.94% France, 3.73% United Kingdom, 3.66% Japan, 2.75% Canada, 2.69% Russia, 2.25% Netherlands,1.97% Singapore, 1.92% Australia, 1.3% Chile
2. Chinese Taipei (12.9%): 32.4% United States, 20.4% Japan, 15.4% Czechia, 4.48% United Kingdom, 4.3% South Korea, 3.54% Netherlands, 2.98% Spain, 2.79% Germany, 1.6% France, 1.28% Australia
3. Czechia (8.32%): 40% Germany, 12.7% United States, 10.4% Austria, 6.5% Switzerland, 4.48% United Kingdom, 4.17% France, 2.74% Netherlands, 2.36% Spain, 2.15% South Korea, 1.95% Japan
4. Germany (3.82%): 19.9% Austria, 15.9% France, 10.2% Poland, 7.19% United Kingdom, 6.16% Netherlands, 5.75% United States, 3.59% Switzerland, 3.23% Czechia, 2.72% Japan, 2.68% Belgium, 1.99% Spain
5. Netherlands (3.27%): 26.1% Germany, 10.6% Poland, 13.2% France, 8.04% Belgium,06% Spain, 4.57% Austria, 3.94% Denmark

The graphic highlights the interconnectedness of global trade in walking sticks, emphasizing how various countries rely on specific exporters to meet their demands, influenced by geographic proximity and established trade networks.

The United States, the largest importer, purchases a substantial amount from various countries, with China being the primary supplier. Germany ranks as the second-largest importer, significantly sourcing its walking sticks from China and Czechia, showcasing strong bilateral trade relationships. Japan also plays a vital role in the import market, with its top imports coming from Chinese Taipei and China, reflecting the regional trade dynamics within Asia. France follows closely, importing walking sticks mainly from China, along with notable contributions from Germany and Spain, indicating a diverse supply chain, while South Korea's imports were predominantly from China, with Chinese Taipei as another key supplier.

1. United States (22.1%): 70.4% China, 19% Chinese Taipei, 4.79% Czechia, 1.42% Canada, 0.99% Germany
2. Germany (9.82%): 38.9% China, 33.9% Czechia, 8.69% Netherlands, 4.45% Poland, 3.67% Chinese Taipei, 2.97% France, 1.74% Austria
3. Japan (5.48%): 48.1% Chinese Taipei, 40% China, 3.94% South Korea, 2.96% Czechia, 1.9% Germany, 1.15% United States
4. France (5.43%) :43.5% China, 11.2% Germany, 11.1% Spain, 7.94% Netherlands, 6.38% Czechia, 5.68% Belgium, 4.1% Hong Kong, 3.82% Chinese Taipei
5. South Korea (4.49%): 80.3% China, 12.4% Chinese Taipei, 3.98% Czechia, 0.88% Austria, 0.61% Germany

Between 2021 and 2022, the fastest growing importer was China, with an increase of $23.3M, followed by Chinese Taipei ($9.78M), Netherlands ($3.41M), Germany ($2.04M), and Belgium ($314k).

1. China: from $176M to $200M
2. Chinese Taipei: from $33.4M to $43.1M
3. Netherlands: from $7.48M to $10.9M
4. Germany: from $10.7M to $12.7M
5. Belgium: from $1.04M to $1.36M

Whereas the imports grew the fastest in the United States, with an increase of $7.02M, ahead of United Kingdom ($4.3M), South Korea ($3.16M), Singapore ($3.01M), and Australia ($2.22M).

1. United States: from $66.7m to $73.7M
2. United Kingdom: from $9.08M to $13.4M
3. South Korea: from $11.8M to $15M
4. Singapore: from $1.02M to $4.03M
5. Australia: from $2.73M to $4.96M

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