China’s Sports Goods Exports Show Resilience in Q3 2025 Despite Global Headwinds
Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, China’s sports goods exports demonstrated steady growth in Q3 2025, according to data from the General Administration of Customs and the China Sporting Goods Federation (CSGF). While overall trade volumes expanded modestly, a clear shift in product demand and export destinations is reshaping the industry’s future.
📊 Q3 2025 Sports Goods Export Snapshot
In the third quarter of 2025, China exported USD 6.454 billion worth of sports goods, up 0.91% year-over-year. Total sports goods trade (imports + exports) reached USD 6.844 billion, reflecting a slight 0.88% increase compared to Q3 2024.
For the first nine months of 2025:
- Total exports: USD 21.355 billion (+1.36% YoY)
- Total imports: USD 1.067 billion (–3.91% YoY)
- Overall trade value: USD 22.422 billion (+1.1% YoY)
While these figures show resilience, they also lag behind China’s broader export growth of 6.1% in the same period—highlighting unique challenges within the sports goods sector.
🏋️♂️ Fitness Equipment Drives Growth; Apparel Slumps
Not all sports categories are created equal. In Q3 2025, fitness equipment emerged as the standout performer:
- Fitness equipment exports: USD 1.514 billion (+21.5%)
- Treadmill exports: USD 376 million (+8.99%)
- Artificial turf: USD 102 million (+6.25%)
These gains reflect sustained global interest in home gyms, health tech, and commercial fitness infrastructure—trends accelerated by post-pandemic wellness awareness.
Conversely, traditional segments saw sharp declines:
- Sportswear: –11.28%
- Athletic footwear: –13.77%
- Outdoor gear: –10.78%
- Skating equipment: –13.48%
Experts attribute these drops to inventory overhangs, reduced discretionary spending in key markets, and rising competition from Southeast Asian manufacturers.
🌍 Export Markets Shift: U.S. Share Shrinks, Europe Rises
One of the most significant developments in Q3 2025 was the geographic realignment of China’s sports goods exports.
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United States: Exports fell 12.64% YoY to USD 1.763 billion
- Still China’s largest single market, but its share dropped to 29.16% (from 31.44% in 2024)
- Declines linked to tariffs, supply chain diversification, and softer consumer demand
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Europe & Canada surged:
- Netherlands: +29.22%
- Germany: +20.19% (YTD: +20.80%)
- Canada: +15.03% (YTD: +17.39%)
- UK: Also posted strong growth
This pivot underscores a broader trend: Chinese exporters are reducing reliance on the U.S. and capitalizing on stable, high-value markets in Europe.