These counterfeit goods stats tell a story of a growing underground economy full of knock-off products and fake money.
The International Chamber of Commerce estimates that by 2015 global counterfeit goods will exceed $1.7 trillion.
On one hand, the amount of counterfeit money seized by the US government has increased over the last three years from 103 million dollars in 2008 to 261 million in 2011. However, some estimate that these numbers may be as low as 10% of the total counterfeit money in circulation. This infographic also states that the most counterfeit money is made by marijuana dealers and crystal meth dealers.
When it comes to counterfeit goods stats, the top five most counterfeited goods are electronics, shoes, drugs, CDs and DVDs and clothes.
Global Knock-Off Infographics
This Infographic Explores Counterfeit Goods Stats
Trend Themes
1. Counterfeit Consumer Goods - The increasing production of consumer goods like electronics and clothing has made counterfeiting much more profitable in recent years.
2. Digital Counterfeiting - The trend towards digital distribution has increased the risk of counterfeiting physical and digital products like DVDs, games and software.
3. Emerging Counterfeit Markets - Counterfeiters are beginning to focus on new and emerging markets such as the Middle East and Africa as countries in these regions grow economically.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - With the rise of e-commerce, online marketplaces have made it easier than ever for counterfeit goods to be sold, posing a significant challenge for the retail industry.
2. Fashion and Luxury Goods - Counterfeiters are often attracted to high-end luxury brands, posing a particular threat to the fashion industry and making it important for them to find innovative ways to protect their brands.
3. Consumer Electronics - Counterfeit consumer electronics often lack the safety standards and quality assurances that genuine products possess, posing a threat to both consumers and manufacturers needing improved innovation to combat this.