Main Competitors
In certain categories, American exporters face import tariffs as opposed to products made in the EU. Also, exporters from EU countries have the advantage of knowing the local environment, standards, regulatory norms and business culture. Asian competition, mainly from China, generally offer goods at significantly cheaper quality and price. On the other hand, American companies have an excellent reputation in technological know-how, constant product innovation and innovative new product categories. Most competitive imports include:
Sportswear/Footwear: Vietnam, China, Indonesia, Austria, Germany, Italy, Belgium
Articles and equipment for sports: China, Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Taiwan, Spain
Local producers also have a significant presence in some segments of the sports sector
(cycling, skiing, sportswear, for instance). Imports from the U.S. are limited.
Czech Republic
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Downward trends due to the pandemic:
The figures show that the Czech Republic has experienced economic growth in the last few years, however during the COVID 19 pandemic, sales of most goods, including sporting goods, declined in 2020 and beginning of 2021. Retail sales fell sharply in March 2020 and April was the worst, with the situation starting to improve in May 2020. The largest decrease was recorded by sellers of clothing (64.9%). Sales were affected not only by closures, but also the temporary restrictions on consumers from trying on clothing in-store.
Sales continued to be lower year-on-year in the coming months. In addition to freezing the supply of most retailers, demand has also been affected by slightly rising unemployment and fears of future incomes that affect general consumption. Shops, except those with the necessary assortment for life as food, etc. were re-closed at the end of 2020 due to the deteriorating situation (which forced many retailers to quickly adapt their online presence) and have been fully reopened in May 2021, since when it slowly returns to normal.
Opportunities
Within the codes of the Harmonized System of the World Customs Organization, sporting goods can be divided into several groups based on identical physical characteristics.
- In 2019, the most imported sports goods to the Czech Republic are goods intended for
athletics, swimming and outdoor sports. The value of these imported goods exceeded $180
million. This segment has been growing steadily in recent years.
- Sports Footwear - There was a great demand for foreign sports shoes, which were imported
for $174 million.
- Tents, Camping goods –This is another segment where native Czech producers (Husky,
Hudy Sport among others) are strong.