According to a recent report released by the SGMA that was based on U.S. Department of Commerce data, U.S. exports of Sporting Goods and Athletic Footwear are on the rise. The category saw a 5.6% dollar gain, which comes on the heels of a gain of 9.7% in 2003. For the year, exports of Sporting Goods and Athletic Footwear totaled $2.1 billion, an increase of $109 million over the $2.00 billion posted in 2003. Exports of Sporting Goods and Athletic Footwear have had dollar increases in four of the last five years.
On the Sporting Goods equipment side of things, exports were up 7.1% to $2.00 billion from $1.87 billion in 2003. The big winners within this category were Gym/Exercise, up 25.1%; Fishing Tackle, up 18.4%; and Other Bowling Equipment, up 12.5%. The draggers in the category were Roller Skates and Parts, down 55.6%; Golf Club Parts, down 14.4%; and Other Golf Equipment, down 11.9%. Athletic Footwear was also a drag to the overall numbers this year.
