When it comes to “Made in the USA” sports products, overseas markets are most interested in golf gear, exercise machines, gymnastics equipment, athletic footwear and fishing tackle. Those are the finding of SGMA Internationals most recent exports study. The dollar value growth rate of U.S. exports of sporting goods increased by 0.9% in 2003 after declining by 7.2% in 2002.
|
U.S. |
||
| Year | Value of Export (Billions) |
% Change from Prior Year |
| 1995 | $ 2.159 | +21.7% |
| 1996 | $ 2.273 | +5.5% |
| 1997 | $ 2.349 | +3.3% |
| 1998 | $ 1.952 | -17.0% |
| 1999 | $ 1.797 | -7.9% |
| 2000 | $ 1.874 | +4.3% |
| 2001 | $ 1.960 | +4.6% |
| 2002 | $ 1.819 | -7.2% |
| 2003 | $ 1.836 | +0.9% |
“The upspike in U.S. exports for 2003 reflects the generally improved economic conditions in Canada and most of Europe, as well as the decline in the value of the U.S. dollar against the Euro, Canadian dollar and the yen. The value of the dollar fell by about 10% in 2003 and probably wont strengthen much in the near term,” stated Sebastian DiCasoli, SGMA Internationals director of market intelligence.
Largest Increases (+) ($000) |
2003 |
2002 |
%Change |
| Tennis Racquets |
$3,517 | $1,271 | +176.7 |
Non-Inflatable Balls |
6,089 | 3,985 | +52.8% |
| Sports Gloves | 5,811 | 4,315 | +34.7% |
Largest Decreases (-) ($000) |
2003 |
2002 |
%Change |
| Basketballs | $1,048 | $2,167 | -51.6% |
| Snow Ski Equipment |
46,270 | 65,018 | -28.8% |
| Golf Bags | 5,227 | 7,113 | -26.5% |
The sporting goods products included in these statistics are limited to archery, tennis, bowling, billiards, fishing tackle, water skis, roller skates, team sports, playground, snow ski equipment, and gym/exercise equipment. Significant amounts of camping equipment, other recreation equipment, and sports apparel are excluded from the export statistics. The actual amount of exports is understated for this reason, plus shipments from overseas factories of U.S. companies are not included in the U.S. Commerce Department statistics. The dollar value of exports used in the report is f.a.s. (free alongside ship) value at the U.S. port of export, including inland freight, insurance, and other charges incurred in transporting the product at this point.
The data contained herein should not necessarily be interpreted as representing consumer demand for product in a particular country of destination because that country may not always be where the product is sold. This is especially true for Mexico, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United Kingdom, which serve a regional distribution centers.
