What this market covers
Bags carried on the back by two shoulder straps, used for school, travel, work and hiking. Shoppers buy them through bag stores, sports retailers and online shops.
Typical segments
- School backpacks
- Hiking backpacks
- Laptop backpacks
- Travel backpacks
Source: Eurostat
Why this market is moving now
- Extra-EU import value moved +43% from 2020 to 2025, a direct read on EU demand for sourced supply.
- Supply is concentrated: one country provided a large share of extra-EU imports in 2025.
Key figures
Each figure names the source it came from. Open the source list below to read the quoted line.
| Figure | Value | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| The EU imported €1.65 billion of products under CN code 42029291 (Travelling-bags, toilet bags, rucksacks and sports bags, with outer surface of textile) from outside the EU in 2025. | 1.65 EUR billion | 2025 | Eurostat |
| Extra-EU imports of CN 42029291 were up 43% in 2025 compared with 2020 (€1.15 billion), calculated from Eurostat values. | +43 % change | 2025 | Eurostat |
| EU exports of CN 42029291 to countries outside the EU were worth €506.5 million in 2025. | 506.5 EUR million | 2025 | Eurostat |
| Trade between EU member states in CN 42029291 (intra-EU arrivals) came to €1.65 billion in 2025. | 1.65 EUR billion | 2025 | Eurostat |
| China was the largest non-EU supplier of CN 42029291 to the EU in 2025, with €1.01 billion, or 62% of extra-EU imports. | 1.01 EUR billion | 2025 | Eurostat |
| EU exports of CN 42029291 to the United States were €44.8 million in 2025. | 44.8 EUR million | 2025 | Eurostat |
| The average value of extra-EU imports of CN 42029291 was €13.21 per kilogram in 2025, calculated from Eurostat value and weight. | 13.21 EUR per kg | 2025 | Eurostat |
| Italy was the largest EU exporter of CN 42029291 to non-EU countries in 2025, at €160.2 million. | 160.2 EUR million | 2025 | Eurostat |
| The EU had 15,000 enterprises in NACE class C1512 (Manufacture of luggage, handbags and the like, saddlery and harness) in 2023. | 15,000 enterprises | 2023 | Eurostat |
| EU enterprises in NACE class C1512 had net turnover of €27.48 billion in 2023. | 27.48 EUR billion | 2023 | Eurostat |
| NACE class C1512 employed 140,000 people across the EU in 2023. | 140,000 persons employed | 2023 | Eurostat |
Sources and method
The figures on this page come from the public sources listed below. Read how we work.
- Eurostat: EU trade since 1988 by HS2-4-6 and CN8 (DS-045409) (2026-11-04)
Quoted lines
- Figure 1
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 42029291, partner EXT_EU27_2020, flow import, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 1649055990
- Figure 2
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 42029291, flow import, 2020 VALUE_IN_EUROS 1154298383; 2025 VALUE_IN_EUROS 1649055990
- Figure 3
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 42029291, partner EXT_EU27_2020, flow export, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 506469516
- Figure 4
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 42029291, partner INT_EU27_2020, flow import, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 1647621998
- Figure 5
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 42029291, partner CN, flow import, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 1014487264
- Figure 6
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 42029291, partner US, flow export, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 44772687
- Figure 7
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 42029291, flow import, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 1649055990, QUANTITY_IN_100KG 1248204
- Figure 1
- Eurostat: EU trade since 1988 by HS2-4-6 and CN8 (DS-045409) (2026-11-04)
Quoted lines
- Figure 8
DS-045409, reporter IT, product 42029291, partner EXT_EU27_2020, flow export, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 160231444
- Figure 8
- Eurostat: Enterprises by detailed NACE Rev. 2 activity and special aggregates (sbs_ovw_act) (2026-11-04)
Quoted lines
- Figure 9
sbs_ovw_act, geo EU27_2020, nace_r2 C1512, indic_sbs ENT_NR, 2023, 15000
- Figure 10
sbs_ovw_act, geo EU27_2020, nace_r2 C1512, indic_sbs NETTUR_MEUR, 2023, 27483
- Figure 11
sbs_ovw_act, geo EU27_2020, nace_r2 C1512, indic_sbs EMP_NR, 2023, 140000
- Figure 9
Buyers and suppliers
Who buys
- Students
- Outdoor enthusiasts
- Commuters
Large non-EU suppliers to the EU
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the European Union market - 03Market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 05Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 06Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 07Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 08Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 09Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 10Method and sources
Every assumption and source, listed
Included with the full report
- PDF report, 40 to 60 pages
- Excel data pack
- Ready-to-use charts
- Method note and assumptions
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Frequently asked questions
How big is the EU backpack market?
There is no single official market total. Eurostat trade data shows the EU imported €1.65 billion of goods under CN 42029291 from outside the EU in 2025 and exported €506.5 million.
Where does the EU import backpack from?
China was the largest non-EU supplier in 2025. Other large suppliers included Viet Nam, Indonesia, Bangladesh.
What is the average import price of backpack in the EU?
Dividing Eurostat import value by weight gives about €13.21 per kilogram for CN 42029291 in 2025.
Which EU countries export the most backpack?
Italy led EU exports to non-EU countries in 2025, followed by France, Germany.
How many EU companies are in the backpack industry?
Eurostat counts 15,000 enterprises in NACE class C1512 (Manufacture of luggage, handbags and the like, saddlery and harness).
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