BPMA Press Release | Global Economic Study

First-of-its-kind Oxford Economics study finds branded merchandise supports approximately 151,000 jobs and US$6 billion in tax contributions across the UK and Ireland

[LONDON, UK] (Monday 21^st September 2026) — Branded merchandise connects brands and people every day, but its impact extends well beyond the products consumers wear, use, receive or purchase. A landmark study commissioned by Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), conducted by Oxford Economics and supported by British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA) as an industry partner provides the first comprehensive look at the global economic ecosystem behind branded merchandise.

Globally, the sector supported US$472.3 billion in GDP, 11.9 million jobs and US$141.3 billion in tax revenues in 2025.

In the local market, the study found:

• Approximately US$15 billion in branded merchandise spending across the UK and Ireland.
• Approximately US$16 billion in GDP contribution supported across the UK and Ireland.
• Approximately 151,000 jobs supported across the two markets.
• Approximately US$6 billion in tax contributions supported.

“This represents another example of the close relations between the BPMA and the PPAI delivering value for members” said Phil Goodman CEO of the BPMA. “The study by Oxford Economics is the first of its kind to establish the significance of our industry through the entire global supply chain. What we have uncovered is an industry in growth, with the UK enjoying leading role on the global stage. The branded merchandise industry supports over 145,000 jobs in the UK and contributes over £11bn to the UK GDP. I am really proud that access to the full UK report is available exclusively for BPMA members.”

“For years, we’ve known branded merchandise has an extraordinary ability to connect brands with people,” said Drew Holmgreen, president and CEO of PPAI. “This research now gives us a comprehensive view of the economic ecosystem supporting those connections. Behind every branded item is a global network of designers, manufacturers, decorators, distributors, marketers, retailers, fulfillment partners and other businesses creating jobs, economic activity and value around the world.”

The UK & Ireland Branded Merchandise Market

Approximately US$15 billion was spent on branded merchandise across the UK and Ireland in 2025, including roughly US$4 billion in promotional products and US$11 billion in licensed merchandise. Together, the two markets accounted for about 4% of global branded merchandise spending.

The sector supported approximately US$16 billion in GDP, around 151,000 jobs and approximately US$6 billion in tax contributions across the UK and Ireland.

All financial figures are presented in U.S. dollars (USD).

A $472 Billion Global Economic Ecosystem

Globally, Oxford Economics estimates:

• US$338.3 billion was spent on branded merchandise globally in 2025, including US$108.6 billion in promotional products and US$229.7 billion in licensed merchandise.
• US$472.3 billion in global GDP was supported by the industry.
• 9 million jobs were supported worldwide.
• US$141.3 billion in global tax contributions were supported.

The study measures the broader branded merchandise ecosystem from manufacturing and decoration through sourcing, distribution, retail, e-commerce, fulfillment, marketing and brand activation. It distinguishes market spending from GDP contribution: market spending captures the amount spent on branded merchandise, while GDP contribution reflects the broader economic activity supported by the industry, its supply chain and wage-induced spending.

Explore the Research

Download the UK & Ireland report/infographic: Download here

About BPMA

The British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA) represents distributors, suppliers and service providers in the world class promotional products industry in the UK. Founded in 1965, The BPMA promotes the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability, as well as representing the industry domestically and internationally, acting as the link between practitioners and the politicians and policymakers whose decisions impact the sector. For more information, please visit bpma.co.uk.

About Oxford Economics

Oxford Economics is a key adviser to corporate, financial and government decision-makers and thought leaders. Its worldwide client base comprises more than 3,000 international organizations, including leading multinational companies and financial institutions; key government bodies and trade associations; and top universities, consultancies and think tanks.

About PPAI

Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) is the world’s largest and longest-running not-for-profit promotional products association with a 123-year history of serving a community that has grown to some 15,000 corporate members. PPAI advocates for the branded merchandise industry, which is made up of over 500,000 professionals in the U.S. alone. For more information, visit PPAI.org.

Media Contact

BPMA MEDIA CONTACT: Kia Mooney
kia.mooney@bpma.co.uk
+44 7595 710338