U.S. sporting goods imports rose 4.1% to $9.375 billion in 2003 when compared to 2002 according to SGMA Internationals analysis of U.S. Commerce department data. Imports have risen 36.2% since 1993.
Total footwear imports declined 1.9% for the year while total hardgoods jumped 8.2%, or $314.5 million to $4.13 billion in 2003.
China, as expected, has widened its lead over other countrys manufacturing goods for the U.S. market. The country made up 77.6% of U.S. imports in 2003 versus 75.7% in 2002 and 76.4% in 2001. Indonesia was second on the list of suppliers in 2003 with 11.0% of the total, down 250 basis points from the previous year. Vietnam grew share of the market, gaining 220 basis points to 6.2% of total imports. Thailand increased to 4.3% from 3.7% in 2002 and South Korea rounded out the top 5 countries with a 0.9% share, down 40 basis points from the previous year.
The report does not give a total picture of the U.S. import breakdown since it can only pull certain categories tracked by the USCD. The only apparel category listed in the report is “Warm-ups/Jogging Suits”, leaving a huge gap where billions are imported each year.
Gym & Exercise Equipment led all categories reported on a dollar basis, while footwear led all decliners on the same basis. Water Sports equipment had the biggest gain on a percentage basis with a 27.3% gain and Roller Skates led all decliners on a percentage basis, falling 43.6% in 2003 from the previous year.
