The kits and jerseys business continues to be a lucrative one, as more people than ever are entrenched in some sport or another. Not even the pandemic could halt its momentum. Retailers have recorded increases of beyond 100% at the start of this football season. (source)
Jerseys and kits are a worldwide phenomenon. Hence, sports kits and jerseys adorn not only local supporters, but the whole world. Whether it be the NBA, the Premier League, or La Liga, enthusiasts for the teams’ kits and jerseys can be found in almost every country.
The sourcing for these kits and jerseys has amassed a global character too. Below, we look at the top countries for sourcing kits and jerseys.
1. China
China is by far the leading manufacturer of kits in the world and is the first country most retailers turn to for procuring them. The country is especially the hub for football jerseys, while basketball jerseys are also manufactured in China on a huge scale.
Top brands like Nike and Adidas have made China a hub for their jersey manufacturing. In addition, a host of local manufacturers ensure the jersey machine keeps not only turning but continues to grow in prominence every year.
2. Bangladesh
Coming hot on the heels of China is Bangladesh. Jerseys come up only behind trousers & shorts and T-shirts when it comes to Bangladesh’s apparel exports.
The growth of Bangladesh in this sphere is highlighted by the country's total apparel export growth. For instance, in 2024, Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the EU increased by 4.72%. (source)
3. Vietnam
China and Bangladesh are in a league of their own when it comes to kit manufacturing. Vietnam is the best of the rest, with its emerging textile infrastructure seeing it become an important jersey sourcing destination. North America is the prime export destination for Vietnam manufactured kits and jerseys.
4. Cambodia
Vietnam’s neighbour Cambodia is another significant kit sourcing destination. Unlike Vietnam though, Cambodia’s jersey exports are more Europe-focused, although still with strong North American presence.
Cambodia’s textile-apparel sector contribute nearly 70% of its export earnings (source). Hence, apparel like kits and jerseys are an important part of Cambodia’s economy.
5. Turkey
Turkey, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, is an important kit supplier for both regions. Straddling both continents means the lead times in Turkey are short, often among the shortest in the world. This contributes to Turkey being one of the most significant kits and jersey sourcing destinations in the world.
6. Italy
Italy is the foremost country in jersey sourcing situated entirely outside of Asia. Its European location means it is well-positioned to serve the sourcing needs of European retailers.
Italy is also home to the Serie A, and over half of the teams in the country’s top football league manufacture locally. Hence, Italy also benefits from the clamour for Serie A kits around the world.
7. Pakistan
Kit and jersey manufacturing in Pakistan is still an emerging industry and is mostly concentrated on football. However, the sheer volume of kit exports out of Pakistan is still significant.
8. Germany
Like Turkey and Italy, Germany also benefits from the European geographical advantage. The presence of global brands like Adidas and Puma, both of which are German brands, also helps the country’s jersey export industry.
9. India
Compared to other textile & apparel goods, such as T-shirts, dresses, and even innerwear, jersey exports out of India lag behind. There is strong domestic demand for kits in India and thus there is less of a focus on exports.
Still, India remains a sourcing destination to keep an eye on for kits and jerseys retailers.
10. Indonesia
Indonesia is another Asian country that is climbing the ranks in terms of kit manufacture. The country’s jersey exports are concentrated towards North America. Indonesia also contains jersey manufacturing plants of prominent brands like Nike.
11. Spain
Spain is another European country that benefits from its proximity to prominent kits and jerseys importing nations.
Spain also benefits from its top football league, La Liga, being a global phenomenon, increasing the value of the teams’ kits and jerseys. While primarily manufactured outside Spain, these kits are distributed by Spanish houses to international clients.
12. Honduras
Central America is not the region that first comes to mind when it comes to sourcing kits & jerseys. However, nations like Nicaragua and Guatemala are seeing flourishing exports of kits & jerseys.
Premier among the Central American countries for kits & jerseys sourcing is Honduras. The popularity of football and baseball in the country as well as its proximity to importing nations like the USA and Canada helps this Honduras’ kits & jerseys market prosper.
Conclusion
While retailers and distributors have relied upon China and Bangladesh for sourcing their kits & jerseys, there is a whole wide world out there for them. Nations like Vietnam and Cambodia can offer strategic alternatives that help these buyers diversify sourcing.
TexPro can help your business with diversifying sourcing or getting more negotiating power. The tool provides extensive amounts of import-export data regarding jerseys, helping stakeholders stay abreast of the relevant information.
In addition, the tool also has supplier lists and helps in competitive analysis. Hence, TexPro is a tool that can make sourcing kits and jerseys smoother for your organization.