LIMA: Global Licensing Industry Up 4.4 Percent

According to the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association’s (LIMA) new survey, the global licensing industry has reached $262.9 billion, a 4.4 percent increase from the previous year’s amount.

The third Annual Global Licensing Industry Survey was commissioned by LIMA and conducted by Brandar Consulting. According to the report, character and entertainment continues to be the top property type, accounting for $118.3 billion in retail sales and a 45 percent market share. Corporate trademarks came in second place with $54.6 billion in retail sales for 21 percent of the total market. The U.S. and Canada are still the largest global markets for licensed merchandise, with retail sales of $152.3 billion in 2016, up 5 percent for a 58 percent share of the market.

Retail sales of licensed goods outside the U.S. and Canada totaled $110.6 billion, 4.8 percent higher than the previous year. The next largest global region was Western Europe, with the U.K., Germany and France as the three largest markets and where revenues totaled $52.4 billion (20 percent share). Northern Asia—including China—followed, with revenues of $24.5 billion (9 percent share).

Apparel led all product categories with $39.3 billion in revenue, which is 15 percent of total global licensed retail sales. Then came toys at $35.1 billion (13 percent share) and fashion accessories at $29.6 billion (11 percent share).

“We are pleased to provide the latest edition of LIMA’s global report, with in-depth analysis on the state of the industry that will help guide licensing professionals in making their best strategic decisions,” said Charles Riotto, the president of LIMA. “We’re also delighted to note that since the survey went global in 2015, we have seen consistent worldwide growth of sales of licensed products in virtually all geographic regions.”