Report and analysis by: Laura Spingola, Trade Resources Ltd.
2013 was a positive year for housewares exports as they grew 3.9% to nearly $4.3 billion. This is a record high! Almost all export markets expanded, though the pace was more moderate than that of the previous four years.
Houseware exports have now climbed 12.8% over the past two years. This is a testament to the commitment and tenacious effort of U.S. exporters and the recognition of U.S. housewares as well priced, quality goods by buyers abroad.
In 2013 all geographic regions increased purchases of U.S. housewares except South America. The largest market, Canada, showed a solid 5.2% advance to $2 billion. Australia/NZ and Eastern Europe demonstrated sharp rises with Australia/NZ + 16.8% to $121 million and Eastern Europe + 17.4% to $55 million. Two markets that grew at a reduced rate were Mexico + 4.5% to $432 million, and Middle East + 2.3% to $150 million. Europe continued to be a large steady customer + 2.1% to $538 million. Markets that flattened, yet still turned in a positive performance were Asia/Far East + 1.7% to $458 million, Central America + 0.9% to $235 million, and Africa + 0.1% to $54 million. As previously mentioned, South America dipped 3.3% to $221 million in 2013.
*2013 preliminary year end data
Source of Data: U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Bureau of the Census
WTA ® GTIS
The export performance by product category was also positive except for a small decrease in tabletop in 2013.
Household electrics, the largest dollar volume category, soared 8.7% to $1.6 billion. Bakeware rose 3.2% to nearly $138 million, space organizers added + 2.1% to $952 million, personal care increased + 1.4% to $732 million, and cookware grew + 1.3% to $265 million. Tabletop was off 0.6% to $599 million.
The table below shows the percentage change by category for both the one and two-year time periods.
In recent years there has been a proliferation of new global buyers and new markets that demonstrate their desires for U.S. housewares across all product categories. Producers paid attention to these trends and took the time to invest, innovate and put forth creative product lines to attract and satisfy any taste, generation, social and economic strata, living environment and preferred channel of distribution. This is a very exciting time for housewares’ suppliers and consumers.
Future postings will give more details about the top country markets and what’s selling in each. Good selling!
Report and analysis by: Laura Spingola, Trade Resources Ltd., Chicago, IL
+1.312.939.5030 / LSpingola@TradeResources.com
