Top T-Shirt Exporters Dominating the Market: Global T-Shirt Export Data

In recent years, the global T-shirt export market has seen a significant shift with the emergence of top T-shirt exporters dominating the industry. As the demand for high-quality T-shirts continues to rise worldwide, these key players have been able to capitalize on this trend and establish their presence in the market. According to the global T-shirt export data, the total value of T-shirt exports accounted for $53.02 billion in 2023 with a decline of 10% from the previous year. Based on the T-shirt export statistics for 2024, Together, the top five T-shirt exporters produced 48.8% of all T-shirt export revenue sent overseas. Over the five years beginning in 2019, when exported T-shirts were valued at $47.2 billion, that dollar number resulted from a 9.8% growth for all the leading T-shirt exporters.

• According to the live T-shirt exporters database for 2024, there are 506300+ active T-shirt exporters and suppliers in the world.  
• These t-shirt suppliers export t-shirts to 964000+ active buyers worldwide.
• As per the international T-shirt shipment data, there are over 32.72 million active T-shirt export shipments around the world.
• Based on the T-shirt export data by country, there are 250+ T-shirt exporting countries globally.
• China is the biggest T-shirt exporting country in the world, whereas Nike is the biggest T-shirt exporter brand.
• The 4-digit HS code for T-shirts in global trade is 6109.

In this article, we will explore the leading exporters of T-shirt who are currently leading the pack and analyze the global T-shirt export data to gain insights into this thriving industry.

Growth of the Global T-Shirt Market: A $330 Billion Revolution by 2025

• The global t-shirt market is predicted to grow from 2 billion t-shirt sales annually to an astounding $330 billion by 2025.
• From 2024 to 2028, the global t-shirt market is anticipated to expand at an annual rate of 3.24%.
• In 2024, the global t-shirt market brought in $45.52 billion.
• In 2024, the worldwide t-shirt market's revenue per person was $5.87.

List of Top T-Shirt Exporter Companies | Global T-Shirt Suppliers Database

These are the top 10 leading T-shirt exporter companies and suppliers in the global market as per the T-shirt exporters data and T-shirt suppliers list for 2023-24:  

1. Nike: $3.1 billion

• A leading sportswear brand known for innovative athletic wear and T-shirts.
• Total export quantity: ~250 million units
• Active export shipments: 30,000+ active shipments
• Headquarter country: United States

2. Adidas: $2.6 billion

• A global brand that designs and manufactures T-shirts and other sportswear.
• Total export quantity: ~220 million units
• Active export shipments: 28,000+ active shipments
• Headquarter country: Germany

3. Hanesbrands: $1.5 billion

• Known for casual and everyday wear, including T-shirts and undergarments.
• Total export quantity: ~140 million units
• Active export shipments: 20,000+ active shipments
• Headquarter country: United States

4. Puma: $1.2 billion

• A major exporter of sportswear, including T-shirts, shoes, and accessories.
• Total export quantity: ~110 million units
• Active export shipments: 15,000+ active shipments
• Headquarter country: Germany

5. Uniqlo: $1.1 billion

• Known for its high-quality, affordable T-shirts and minimalist style.
• Total export quantity: ~100 million units
• Active export shipments: 12,000+ active shipments
• Headquarter country: Japan

6. Gildan Activewear: $1 billion

• A leading supplier of T-shirts for customization, retail, and wholesale.
• Total export quantity: ~90 million units
• Active export shipments: 10,000+ active shipments
• Headquarter country: Canada

7. Levi's: $950 million

• Famous for its denim and casual wear, including iconic T-shirts.
• Total export quantity: ~80 million units
• Active export shipments: 8,000+ active shipments
• Headquarter country: United States

8. Under Armour: $900 million

• Known for performance wear, including T-shirts designed for athletes.
• Total export quantity: ~70 million units
• Active export shipments: 7,500+ active shipments
• Headquarter country: United States

9. VF Corporation: $850 million

• A global leader in outdoor and casual wear, including T-shirts.
• Total export quantity: ~65 million units
• Active export shipments: 6,500+ active shipments
• Headquarter country: United States

10. Gap Inc.: $800 million

• A multinational brand with a wide range of clothing, including T-shirts.
• Total export quantity: ~60 million units
• Active export shipments: 6,000+ active shipments
• Headquarter country: United States

T-Shirt Exports by Country: Top 10 T-Shirt Exporter Countries

China leads the way as a dominant player in T-shirt exports, with a staggering $9.10 billion in exports, holding a notable 17.2% share of the market. Following closely in this lucrative industry are Bangladesh and Germany as per Bangladesh T-Shirt export data and the T-shirt export data of Germany. These top 10 T-shirt exporter countries reflect a dynamic global market where quality, cost-efficiency, and innovative production methods play crucial roles in shaping the competitive landscape.

With shipments of $28.7 billion, or 55.4% of total T-shirt exports, Asian producers sold the most knitted or crocheted T-shirts (including all types of materials) in 2023-24 out of all the continents. European shippers came in second with another 30.5%. With Mexico excluded, Latin America accounted for a smaller share of total t-shirt exports (6.8%), followed by the Caribbean (4.5%), Africa (2.7%), and Oceania (0.1%), which was topped by Australia and New Zealand. The top 10 t-shirt exporters in the world according to the T-Shirt shipment data and Global trade data for t-shirt exports in 2023-24 include:

1. China: $9.10 billion (17.2%)
2. Bangladesh: $8.28 billion (15.6%)
3. Germany: $2.92 billion (5.5%)
4. Turkey: $2.68 billion (5.1%)
5. Vietnam: $2.46 billion (4.7%)
6. Italy: $2.09 billion (4%)
7. India: $2.09 billion (3.9%)
8. Belgium: $1.45 billion (2.7%)
9. France: $1.39 billion (2.6%)
10. Netherlands: $1.34 billion (2.5%)

Cotton T-shirt Exports Data by Country

The latest Cotton T-shirt export data by Country reveals that Bangladesh leads the pack with a notable $7 billion revenue, capturing 19.6% of the market share. Following closely behind are industry giants China and Germany. The leading 10 exporters of cotton t-shirts in the world as per the global t-shirt export data for 2023-24 include:

1. Bangladesh: $7 billion (19.6%)
2. China: $4.3 billion (12.1%)
3. Germany: $2.1 billion (5.9%)
4. Turkey: $1.8 billion (5%)
5. Italy: $1.65 billion (4.6%)
6. Vietnam: $1.62 billion (4.5%)
7. India: $1.56 billion (4.4%)
8. France: $1.1 billion (3%)
9. Netherlands: $1 billion (2.8%)
10. United States: $949.1 million (2.7%)

Non-Cotton T-shirt Export Data by Country

According to the Non-Cotton Textile T-shirt Export Data by Country, China leads the pack with $4.8 billion, accounting for 30% of the total exports. Following closely behind are Vietnam and Turkey. The top 10 non-cotton T-shirt exporters in the world as per the T-shirt export records for 2023-24 include:

1. China: $4.8 billion (30%)
2. Vietnam: $1.1 billion (6.7%)
3. Turkey: $890 million (5.6%)
4. Bangladesh: $852.5 million (5.4%)
5. Germany: $823 million (5.2%)
6. Belgium: $547.5 million (3.4%)
7. India: $532.1 million (3.3%)
8. Italy: $439.7 million (2.8%)
9. Netherlands: $337.8 million (2.1%)
10. Cambodia: $329.1 million (2.1%)

Top 10 T-Shirt Exporter Countries in 2024: Quarterly Export Statistics

The table below shows the export data of the leading 10 T-shirt exporter countries for the first three quarters of 2024.

Leading T-shirt Exporting Brands in 2024

In 2024, the top leading T-shirt exporting brands have established a strong global presence through their unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. The top 10 T-shirt export brands as per the T-shirt export shipment data are:

1. Nike: $3.1 billion
2. Adidas: $2.6 billion
3. Hanesbrands: $1.5 billion
4. Puma: $1.2 billion
5. Uniqlo: $1.1 billion
6. Gildan: $1 billion
7. Levi's: $950 million
8. Under Armour: $900 million
9. VF Corporation: $850 million
10. Gap Inc.: $800 million

Global T-Shirt Export Data in the Last 10 Years

Top Clothing Material for T-Shirts

The most common material used to make t-shirts is cotton. International sales of cotton t-shirts totaled $35.8 billion, or more than two-thirds (69.2%) of all t-shirts exported in 2024. The remaining 30.8%, which included similar clothing made from fibers other than cotton, came to $15.9 billion. Between 2022 and 2023, exports of cotton-based t-shirts saw an 11.7% decline in sales. T-shirts made of non-cotton materials have a slower increase in international sales (down -7.8% from 2023).

Conclusion

To conclude, the global T-shirt export market is a dynamic and competitive industry that is witnessing the rise of top exporters dominating the market as per the International Textile & Apparel Association for t-shirt exports. Countries like China, Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam have emerged as key players, offering high-quality t-shirts to meet the growing demand from consumers worldwide, whereas Nike, Puma, and Adidas emerged as the biggest T-shirt exporters and supplier companies. By acquiring the global T-shirt export data, we can gain valuable insights into the trends and opportunities shaping this thriving industry.

With TradeImeX, get a list of top T-shirt exporters along with exclusive T-shirt export data. Contact us at info@tradeimex.in to find more than 500K active and verified t-shirt exporters and suppliers at the global level.