SURGE IN U.S. SPORTING GOODS EXPORTS: The Sporting Goods
Manufacturers Association reports that the growth rate in the
value of America's sporting goods exports is accelerating again
after a decline in the past two years. According to SGMA's
analysis of data from the U.S. Commerce Dept., the dollar value
of sporting goods exports increased 17.1% for the first six
months of this year, compared to 9.4% for the same period last
year. The total value of exported athletic footwear and selected
sports equipment was $877.4M, compared to $749.5M for the first
half of '93. Sebastian DiCasoli, SGMA Director of Marketing
Services: "A combination of improved economies in Japan and
Germany and the weakening of the U.S. dollar are primarily
accountable for this excellent performance. Foreign demand for
leather athletic footwear, bowling equipment, baseball/softball
equipment, golf clubs, and gym/exercise equipment has been
especially strong so far this year compared with last year."
SGMA also reports the value of tennis racquet and basketball
exports dropped 45.8% and 34%, respectively (THE DAILY).
ATHLETIC SHOE SALES UP: Sales of athletic footwear rose 5.2% in
terms of pairs during the first four months of '94, but edged up
only 1.4% in retail dollars, according to the Athletic Footwear
Association. Between Jan. and April '94, consumers spent $3.378
trillion on 115,779,000 pairs, compared to $3.333 trillion on
110,100,000 pairs during the same period of '93 (THE DAILY).
