Knife And Scissors Market

The global market for knives, scissors, and blades is projected to show positive growth over the next eight years, with an expected increase in consumption volume and market value. Consumption trends have seen fluctuations, with the United States leading in both consumption and production. China dominates the production and export sectors, while the United States is the largest importer. Scissors and tailor shears are the major imported products, with varying growth rates in different countries. Despite fluctuations in import/export prices, the market is expected to see steady growth in the near future.

Market Forecast

Driven by increasing demand for knives, scissors and blades worldwide, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next eight-year period. Market performance is forecast to retain its current trend pattern, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +2.8% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market volume to 3.5B units by the end of 2030.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +3.8% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market value to $8.9B (in nominal prices) by the end of 2030.

Consumption

World Consumption of Knives, Scissors And Blades

After three years of growth, consumption of knives, scissors and blades decreased by -11.5% to 2.8B units in 2022. The total consumption volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.0% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. As a result, consumption reached the peak volume of 3.2B units, and then declined in the following year.

The global knife and scissors market size contracted to $6.6B in 2022, with a decrease of -9.1% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). The market value increased at an average annual rate of +3.1% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $7.2B, and then shrank in the following year.

Consumption By Country

The country with the largest volume of knife and scissors consumption was the United States (954M units), comprising approx. 34% of total volume. Moreover, knife and scissors consumption in the United States exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest consumer, China (287M units), threefold. Pakistan (124M units) ranked third in terms of total consumption with a 4.4% share.

In the United States, knife and scissors consumption expanded at an average annual rate of +13.6% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: China (-5.2% per year) and Pakistan (+2.1% per year).

In value terms, the United States ($2.1B) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was held by Pakistan ($792M). It was followed by China.

In the United States, the knife and scissors market increased at an average annual rate of +9.4% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Pakistan (+3.0% per year) and China (-5.4% per year).

In 2022, the highest levels of knife and scissors per capita consumption was registered in the United States (2,846 units per 1000 persons), followed by Algeria (1,419 units per 1000 persons), South Korea (933 units per 1000 persons) and Japan (682 units per 1000 persons), while the world average per capita consumption of knife and scissors was estimated at 361 units per 1000 persons.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of the knife and scissors per capita consumption in the United States totaled +12.9%. The remaining consuming countries recorded the following average annual rates of per capita consumption growth: Algeria (+2.0% per year) and South Korea (+3.9% per year).

Production

World Production of Knives, Scissors And Blades

After three years of growth, production of knives, scissors and blades decreased by -7.3% to 3.2B units in 2022. In general, the total production indicated temperate growth from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.1% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production increased by +40.1% against 2017 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the production volume increased by 48%. Global production peaked at 3.5B units in 2021, and then contracted in the following year.

In value terms, knife and scissors production contracted to $6.9B in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.3% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when the production volume increased by 13% against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak level of $7.5B, and then fell in the following year.

Production By Country

China (2.6B units) constituted the country with the largest volume of knife and scissors production, accounting for 80% of total volume. Moreover, knife and scissors production in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Pakistan (127M units), more than tenfold. The United States (87M units) ranked third in terms of total production with a 2.7% share.

In China, knife and scissors production expanded at an average annual rate of +5.4% over the period from 2012-2022. The remaining producing countries recorded the following average annual rates of production growth: Pakistan (+2.1% per year) and the United States (+2.6% per year).

Imports

World Imports of Knives, Scissors And Blades

After five years of growth, supplies from abroad of knives, scissors and blades decreased by -1.5% to 2.3B units in 2022. In general, total imports indicated a prominent increase from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +6.1% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, imports increased by +72.1% against 2016 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 with an increase of 27%. As a result, imports reached the peak of 2.3B units, and then dropped modestly in the following year.

In value terms, knife and scissors imports declined slightly to $4.5B in 2022. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +4.1% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 29% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of $4.5B, leveling off in the following year.

Imports By Country

The United States was the largest importing country with an import of around 901M units, which reached 39% of total imports. Germany (86M units), the Netherlands (71M units), India (69M units), France (63M units), Indonesia (58M units), Japan (45M units), Russia (44M units), Brazil (44M units), Italy (43M units), the UK (42M units), South Korea (41M units) and Vietnam (41M units) took a little share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to knife and scissors imports into the United States stood at +15.5%. At the same time, India (+22.9%), Indonesia (+10.1%), the Netherlands (+8.5%), South Korea (+6.0%), Italy (+4.5%), Vietnam (+4.3%), France (+3.7%), Russia (+2.1%), Japan (+2.0%) and Germany (+1.8%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, India emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in the world, with a CAGR of +22.9% from 2012-2022. Brazil and the UK experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. While the share of the United States (+22 p.p.) and India (+2.3 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the global imports from 2012-2022, the share of Germany (-1.9 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the United States ($1.2B) constitutes the largest market for imported knives, scissors and blades worldwide, comprising 27% of global imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Germany ($378M), with an 8.5% share of global imports. It was followed by the Netherlands, with a 5.3% share.

In the United States, knife and scissors imports increased at an average annual rate of +4.7% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Germany (+3.5% per year) and the Netherlands (+9.3% per year).

Imports By Type

Scissors and tailor shears represented the major imported product with an import of around 848M units, which resulted at 37% of total imports. It was distantly followed by clasp knives (434M units), knives having fixed cutting blades (378M units), table knives (311M units) and blades; cutting, serrated or not, excluding those of heading no. 8208 (181M units), together achieving a 57% share of total imports. Knives with cutting blades, serrated or not (including pruning knives) (101M units) took a relatively small share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the leading imported products, was attained by knives with cutting blades, serrated or not (including pruning knives) (with a CAGR of +10.5%), while imports for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest types of imported knives, scissors and blades were knives having fixed cutting blades ($1.4B), scissors and tailor shears ($900M) and clasp knives ($875M), with a combined 71% share of global imports. Knives with cutting blades, serrated or not (including pruning knives), table knives, blades; cutting, serrated or not, excluding those of heading no. 8208 and knives; with handles of base metal lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 29%.

Knives with cutting blades, serrated or not (including pruning knives), with a CAGR of +6.1%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, among the main imported products over the period under review, while purchases for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices By Type

The average knife and scissors import price stood at $1.9 per unit in 2022, leveling off at the previous year. In general, the import price, however, saw a mild descent. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the average import price increased by 5.9%. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $2.4 per unit. From 2019 to 2022, the average import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by the product type; the product with the highest price was knives with cutting blades, serrated or not (including pruning knives) ($5.3 per unit), while the price for knives; with handles of base metal ($1.1 per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by knives; with handles of base metal (+1.7%), while the other products experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Import Prices By Country

The average knife and scissors import price stood at $1.9 per unit in 2022, approximately equating the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, continues to indicate a slight slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the average import price increased by 5.9%. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $2.4 per unit. From 2019 to 2022, the average import prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($4.4 per unit), while India ($0.4 per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Korea (+3.2%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports

World Exports of Knives, Scissors And Blades

In 2022, overseas shipments of knives, scissors and blades increased by 3% to 2.7B units, rising for the sixth year in a row after two years of decline. In general, exports saw a buoyant increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 136% against the previous year. The global exports peaked in 2022 and are likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, knife and scissors exports dropped to $4.7B in 2022. Over the period under review, total exports indicated a remarkable increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.0% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +55.9% against 2016 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when exports increased by 31%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $4.8B, and then reduced modestly in the following year.

Exports By Country

China dominates exports structure, amounting to 2.3B units, which was near 85% of total exports in 2022. The following exporters - the Netherlands (54M units) and Germany (45M units) - each accounted for a 3.7% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to knife and scissors exports from China stood at +8.3%. At the same time, the Netherlands (+10.9%) and Germany (+2.1%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, the Netherlands emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in the world, with a CAGR of +10.9% from 2012-2022. While the share of China (+7.1 p.p.) increased significantly, the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, China ($2.5B) remains the largest knife and scissors supplier worldwide, comprising 54% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Germany ($431M), with a 9.2% share of global exports.

In China, knife and scissors exports expanded at an average annual rate of +6.7% over the period from 2012-2022. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Germany (+3.0% per year) and the Netherlands (+4.2% per year).

Exports By Type

Scissors and tailor shears (884M units) and knives having fixed cutting blades (752M units) were the major types of knives, scissors and blades in 2022, accounting for near 33% and 29% of total exports, respectively. Clasp knives (412M units) held the next position in the ranking, followed by table knives (341M units) and blades; cutting, serrated or not, excluding those of heading no. 8208 (142M units). All these products together took approx. 34% share of total exports. Knives with cutting blades, serrated or not (including pruning knives) (97M units) held a minor share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main exported products, was attained by table knives (with a CAGR of +20.9%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest types of exported knives, scissors and blades were knives having fixed cutting blades ($1.5B), scissors and tailor shears ($1.1B) and clasp knives ($768M), with a combined 72% share of global exports. Knives with cutting blades, serrated or not (including pruning knives), table knives, blades; cutting, serrated or not, excluding those of heading no. 8208 and knives; with handles of base metal lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 28%.

Among the main exported products, table knives, with a CAGR of +7.3%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices By Type

In 2022, the average knife and scissors export price amounted to $1.7 per unit, reducing by -5.5% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price saw a noticeable reduction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when the average export price increased by 104% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $5.2 per unit. From 2017 to 2022, the average export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exported products. In 2022, the product with the highest price was knives with cutting blades, serrated or not (including pruning knives) ($7.7 per unit), while the average price for exports of table knives ($1 per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by knives; with handles of base metal (+3.5%), while the other products experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Export Prices By Country

In 2022, the average knife and scissors export price amounted to $1.7 per unit, declining by -5.5% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price showed a pronounced slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 an increase of 104% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $5.2 per unit. From 2017 to 2022, the average export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($9.7 per unit), while China ($1.1 per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Germany (+0.9%), while the other global leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform