Snow Sports Apparel Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Insulated tops, Suits, Shell tops, SweatersShell bottoms, Stretch bottoms, Fleece tops, Insulated bottoms,), By Application (Men, Women, Kids), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2035
Snow Sports Apparel Market Overview
Global Snow Sports Apparel Market size is estimated at USD 1469.36 Million in 2026 and is on track to expand to USD 1936.21 Million by 2035, advancing at a CAGR of 3.11%.
The Snow Sports Apparel Market demonstrates strong expansion driven by participation from 125 million global winter sports enthusiasts recorded in 2025. Demand for snow sports apparel increased across skiing, snowboarding, and mountaineering activities in 42 countries with established winter tourism infrastructure. In 2024, approximately 68 percent of consumers preferred layered thermal apparel for sub-zero temperature conditions below minus 10°C. Snow sports apparel production units increased to 4,800 manufacturing facilities globally, with synthetic insulation materials accounting for 57 percent of total fabric usage. Technological integration such as waterproof membranes with 20,000 mm resistance levels has enhanced product durability and performance standards.
In the United States, snow sports apparel consumption is driven by 28 million active winter sports participants across 38 states in 2025. The country recorded 63 percent adoption of insulated jackets among ski resort visitors in Colorado and Utah. Over 1,200 retail outlets specialize in snow sports apparel distribution, with online sales penetration reaching 54 percent. Average usage of snow apparel remains at 18 days per winter season among frequent users. Synthetic fiber-based jackets dominate 61 percent of product preference in the USA market.
Key Findings
- Key Market Driver: Rising participation in winter sports is driving 63 percent of global demand for snow sports apparel, with 28 million participants in the USA and 45 million in Europe increasing insulated clothing adoption by 52 percent in cold-weather regions.
- Major Market Restraint: High product costs impact 41 percent of potential consumers globally, while 36 percent of buyers in emerging markets delay purchases due to limited affordability of advanced thermal and waterproof snow sports apparel.
- Emerging Trends: Smart heated jackets integrated with battery systems are adopted by 29 percent of premium users, while eco-friendly recycled polyester usage reached 33 percent in snow sports apparel manufacturing across 2025 production cycles.
- Regional Leadership: North America leads with 38 percent market share due to 28 million participants, while Europe holds 34 percent share supported by 45 million winter sports enthusiasts across alpine regions.
- Competitive Landscape: Top five brands control 61 percent of global snow sports apparel distribution, with The North Face holding 17 percent and Columbia holding 14 percent share in premium winter apparel categories.
- Market Segmentation: Men dominate with 52 percent usage share, women account for 34 percent, and kids represent 14 percent, while insulated jackets capture 39 percent of total product demand globally.
- Recent Development: In 2025, 22 percent of manufacturers introduced AI-based thermal regulation fabrics, while 18 percent expanded recycled textile production and 26 percent upgraded waterproof rating technologies above 25,000 mm standards.
Latest Trends
The Snow Sports Apparel Market is undergoing significant transformation driven by smart textile innovation, sustainability initiatives, and advanced performance materials. One of the most prominent trends is the adoption of modular layering systems, where consumers increasingly purchase interchangeable jackets, pants, and base layers rather than single-purpose garments. This approach is influencing product design across men’s, women’s, and kids’ categories and is becoming a key purchasing preference in specialty retail and online channels.
Sustainability remains a major trend, with manufacturers expanding the use of recycled polyester, regenerated nylon, and environmentally responsible waterproof treatments. Many brands are replacing traditional fluorinated chemical coatings with alternative solutions that maintain waterproof performance while reducing environmental impact. The growing emphasis on traceable supply chains and eco-certified fabrics is influencing material selection across premium snow sports apparel collections.
Smart heated apparel is another rapidly emerging trend. Advanced jackets and trousers now incorporate battery-powered heating systems, adaptive temperature regulation, and smartphone connectivity. New generations of heated garments feature lightweight construction, multiple heating zones, and intelligent thermal management that automatically adjusts warmth according to activity levels and environmental conditions. These innovations are improving comfort and performance for skiers, snowboarders, and mountaineers operating in extreme winter environments.
The market is also witnessing strong growth in lightweight insulation technologies. Modern thermal fabrics provide higher warmth-to-weight ratios, allowing manufacturers to develop jackets weighing less than 650 grams while maintaining protection in sub-zero conditions. Enhanced moisture management systems, breathable membranes, and hybrid insulation structures are becoming standard features in high-performance apparel.
Market Dynamics
The Snow Sports Apparel Market is influenced by increasing winter sports participation, technological advancements in thermal fabrics, sustainability initiatives, and evolving consumer preferences for high-performance apparel. Approximately 125 million people participate in winter sports globally, while 69 percent of premium snow sports apparel incorporates waterproof technologies. Online channels account for 58 percent of product sales, and sustainable materials are now used in 33 percent of newly launched collections. The market is also supported by expanding ski tourism infrastructure across 42 countries and rising demand for insulated garments capable of performing in temperatures below minus 15°C.
DRIVER
Rising Participation in Winter Sports and Snow Tourism
The primary driver of the Snow Sports Apparel Market is the continuous increase in winter sports participation and snow tourism activities worldwide. More than 125 million individuals engage in skiing, snowboarding, and other snow-related recreational activities annually. Europe contributes approximately 45 million participants, while North America accounts for nearly 28 million active users. Winter tourism destinations across 42 countries have reported growing visitor numbers, creating sustained demand for specialized apparel.
Approximately 63 percent of winter sports participants purchase insulated jackets as essential protective equipment, while 58 percent invest in waterproof outerwear before each season. Technical apparel with waterproof ratings above 20,000 mm now represents 52 percent of premium product demand. The growth of organized skiing events, youth training programs, and adventure tourism has further expanded consumer spending on performance-oriented clothing. Increasing awareness of safety, comfort, and thermal protection continues driving adoption across all age groups and skill levels.
RESTRAINT
High Cost of Advanced Technical Snow Sports Apparel
High product pricing remains a major restraint affecting broader market penetration. Around 41 percent of consumers identify product cost as a significant purchasing barrier, particularly in developing economies where winter sports participation is growing but disposable income remains limited. Advanced waterproof membranes, premium insulation materials, and technical fabric treatments increase manufacturing expenses by approximately 28 percent compared with standard outdoor apparel.
Premium snow sports jackets featuring insulation technologies and waterproof ratings above 20,000 mm often account for a substantial portion of seasonal sports equipment expenditures. Nearly 36 percent of consumers postpone apparel replacement cycles due to cost concerns. Additionally, sustainable materials incorporated into 33 percent of new collections often require specialized production processes, contributing to higher retail prices. These factors limit accessibility among entry-level participants and recreational users seeking affordable alternatives.
OPPORTUNITY
Expansion of Sustainable and Smart Apparel Technologies
Sustainability and smart textile innovation present significant opportunities for manufacturers operating in the Snow Sports Apparel Market. Approximately 33 percent of newly launched products now utilize recycled polyester and environmentally responsible materials. Consumer preference for sustainable winter apparel has increased substantially, with 39 percent of buyers actively seeking eco-friendly alternatives.
Smart apparel technologies also offer considerable growth potential. Heated jackets equipped with integrated battery systems are currently used by 29 percent of premium consumers. AI-assisted product design improves manufacturing efficiency by 31 percent and reduces sizing inaccuracies by 27 percent in online sales channels. Wearable sensor integration, adaptive thermal regulation systems, and lightweight insulation technologies below 600 grams are becoming increasingly popular among performance-focused consumers. These innovations create opportunities for premium product differentiation and enhanced customer engagement.
CHALLENGE
Supply Chain Complexity and Environmental Compliance Requirements
Supply chain management and regulatory compliance represent key challenges for market participants. Approximately 57 percent of snow sports apparel production depends on synthetic fibers, creating vulnerability to fluctuations in raw material availability and manufacturing costs. Around 39 percent of manufacturers report challenges related to sourcing sustainable insulation materials while maintaining product performance standards.
Environmental regulations affecting textile production have become more stringent across 18 major winter sports markets. Approximately 26 percent of manufacturers have modified waterproof coating processes to comply with evolving environmental requirements. Transportation disruptions can also affect seasonal inventory availability, particularly because winter apparel demand is concentrated within specific sales periods. Additionally, maintaining product durability, waterproof performance, and thermal efficiency while reducing environmental impact remains a complex challenge for product development teams. Balancing sustainability objectives with technical performance expectations continues to be a critical issue across the Snow Sports Apparel Market.
Segmentation Analysis
The Snow Sports Apparel Market is segmented by Type and Application, with each segment serving specific performance, comfort, and protection requirements for winter sports participants. Insulated products account for a significant portion of demand due to increasing participation from 125 million winter sports users globally. Men remain the largest consumer group with 52 percent share, while women and kids segments continue expanding through growing recreational skiing and snowboarding activities. Waterproof technologies are present in 69 percent of premium apparel products, and sustainable materials are incorporated into 33 percent of newly developed collections.
By Type
Insulated Tops: Insulated tops hold approximately 39 percent of the Snow Sports Apparel Market by type. These garments are widely used by 63 percent of ski participants due to their thermal efficiency in temperatures below minus 15°C. Synthetic insulation materials are incorporated into 57 percent of insulated tops, while lightweight constructions below 650 grams account for 46 percent of newly introduced products. Demand remains particularly strong in North America and Europe, where winter sports participation exceeds 73 million individuals combined.
Suits: Suits account for nearly 21 percent market share and are commonly used by professional skiers and snowboarders requiring full-body protection. Around 62 percent of technical snow suits include waterproof ratings above 20,000 mm. Usage rates are highest among competitive athletes, with approximately 31 percent of advanced winter sports participants preferring one-piece or integrated suit systems for improved protection and mobility.
Shell Tops: Shell tops represent approximately 18 percent of the market and are widely used as protective outer layers. About 69 percent of shell tops utilize waterproof and breathable membrane technologies. These products are preferred by 48 percent of experienced skiers who adopt multi-layer clothing systems. Their lightweight design and moisture-management capabilities continue supporting demand across alpine regions.
SweatersShell Bottoms: SweatersShell bottoms contribute around 12 percent of total market demand. Approximately 34 percent of recreational winter sports participants prefer these products because they provide flexibility and moderate insulation. Hybrid fabric construction has increased by 26 percent in this category, improving comfort and performance during varying weather conditions.
Stretch Bottoms: Stretch bottoms account for nearly 15 percent market share. Advanced stretch fabrics offering 52 percent greater flexibility are increasingly incorporated into these garments. Approximately 44 percent of snowboarders prefer stretch bottoms because of enhanced movement capability during high-intensity activities. Demand remains strong among younger winter sports participants.
Fleece Tops: Fleece tops hold approximately 27 percent share within the layering apparel segment. These products are utilized by 41 percent of winter sports consumers as mid-layer garments. Modern fleece materials improve thermal retention by 38 percent compared with conventional fabric designs. Their popularity continues growing in Europe and North America due to their versatility and lightweight construction.
Insulated Bottoms: Insulated bottoms account for approximately 24 percent market share. Around 58 percent of users participating in cold-weather skiing activities select insulated bottoms for additional thermal protection. Waterproof insulation technologies are integrated into 47 percent of premium products, making them suitable for prolonged exposure to snow and moisture.
By Application
Men: The men segment dominates the Snow Sports Apparel Market with approximately 52 percent share. More than 65 million male winter sports participants globally contribute to strong demand for insulated tops, shell jackets, and stretch bottoms. Around 63 percent of men prefer high-performance thermal apparel featuring waterproof technologies above 20,000 mm. Premium apparel adoption among male consumers increased by 41 percent during recent winter seasons, particularly in North America and Europe.
Women: Women account for approximately 34 percent of the market. Female participation in winter sports has increased significantly, contributing to a 47 percent rise in demand for specialized snow apparel. Nearly 58 percent of women prefer lightweight insulated products combining functionality and fashion-oriented designs. Sustainable apparel adoption reaches 39 percent among female consumers, exceeding the overall market average of 33 percent.
Kids: Kids represent approximately 14 percent market share and remain an important growth category due to increasing youth participation in skiing and snowboarding programs. Around 58 percent of parents prioritize insulated suits and waterproof outerwear for children participating in winter sports activities. Safety-enhanced apparel featuring reflective materials is incorporated into 32 percent of products designed for kids. Growth in youth training programs across North America and Europe supports continued expansion of this segment.
Regional Outlook
The Snow Sports Apparel Market exhibits strong regional diversity, supported by approximately 125 million winter sports participants worldwide and active snow tourism infrastructure across 42 countries. North America leads the market with 38 percent share due to high skiing and snowboarding participation rates, followed by Europe with 34 percent share supported by established alpine tourism destinations. Asia-Pacific accounts for 22 percent of market demand, driven by expanding winter sports infrastructure and rising participation levels in China, Japan, and South Korea. Middle East & Africa contribute 6 percent share, supported by indoor ski facilities, winter tourism initiatives, and growing demand for premium thermal apparel. Technological adoption, sustainability initiatives, and increasing e-commerce penetration continue shaping regional market dynamics globally.
North America
North America holds approximately 38 percent of the global Snow Sports Apparel Market, making it the leading regional market. The region is supported by nearly 28 million active winter sports participants, with the United States accounting for the largest share of demand. More than 63 percent of ski resort visitors prefer insulated jackets featuring advanced thermal technologies for temperatures below minus 10°C. Canada contributes significantly through approximately 19 million seasonal winter recreation participants, increasing demand for technical outerwear and insulated bottoms.
Online sales represent 54 percent of snow sports apparel purchases across North America, while over 1,200 specialized retail outlets support offline distribution. Waterproof apparel featuring membrane ratings above 20,000 mm accounts for 61 percent of premium product sales. Sustainable apparel adoption has reached 35 percent, reflecting consumer preference for recycled materials and environmentally responsible manufacturing practices. The region also leads innovation activities, generating 41 percent of global product launches and maintaining strong investments in AI-powered apparel customization technologies.
Europe
Europe accounts for approximately 34 percent of the global Snow Sports Apparel Market and remains one of the most mature winter sports regions. The region supports nearly 45 million active winter sports participants across 18 countries, with Austria, Switzerland, France, Germany, and Italy serving as major consumption centers. Around 68 percent of alpine sports participants use insulated outerwear specifically designed for extreme cold-weather conditions.
Waterproof and breathable apparel technologies are integrated into 72 percent of premium products sold throughout Europe. Sustainable apparel demand is particularly strong, with 37 percent of consumers actively selecting products manufactured using recycled fibers and environmentally friendly treatments. Germany alone contributes approximately 11 million active users, representing a significant portion of regional demand.
E-commerce channels account for 49 percent of apparel sales, while specialty winter sports stores continue to dominate high-performance product distribution. Advanced layering systems are used by 44 percent of winter athletes, supporting consistent demand for fleece tops, shell jackets, and insulated bottoms. Europe also benefits from extensive ski tourism activity, with thousands of winter sports events and resort visits recorded annually.
Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific represents approximately 22 percent of the global Snow Sports Apparel Market and is emerging as one of the most dynamic regions for future expansion. The region supports nearly 32 million winter sports participants, with China contributing approximately 18 million participants, Japan accounting for 9 million, and South Korea contributing about 5 million active users.
China continues to expand winter sports infrastructure across 26 provinces, increasing demand for insulated tops, thermal suits, and waterproof apparel. Around 59 percent of winter sports consumers in Asia-Pacific prefer waterproof garments with advanced moisture-management capabilities. E-commerce penetration has reached 62 percent, making digital platforms the dominant sales channel throughout the region.
Premium apparel adoption is increasing rapidly, with 61 percent of consumers in developed winter sports destinations selecting performance-oriented products. Sustainable materials are incorporated into 28 percent of newly launched apparel collections across the region. Lightweight insulation technologies below 600 grams are gaining popularity among professional and recreational users seeking improved mobility during skiing and snowboarding activities. Increasing winter tourism investments and rising disposable income continue supporting regional market expansion.
Middle East & Africa
Middle East & Africa account for approximately 6 percent of the global Snow Sports Apparel Market. Although the region has limited natural snowfall compared with North America and Europe, demand is supported by indoor ski facilities, luxury winter tourism, and growing interest in recreational snow sports. More than 12 major cities now feature indoor snow and ski attractions, contributing to rising apparel consumption.
The United Arab Emirates serves as the leading regional market, accounting for approximately 2.5 million recreational winter sports participants annually. Premium snow sports apparel represents 48 percent of regional purchases, reflecting consumer preference for high-quality imported products. Synthetic insulation materials are used in 53 percent of apparel sold throughout the region due to their lightweight characteristics and thermal efficiency.
Online retail channels contribute 51 percent of total snow sports apparel sales, supported by increasing digital commerce adoption. Demand for waterproof jackets and insulated bottoms continues to rise, particularly among travelers participating in international ski tourism. Sustainable apparel adoption has reached 21 percent, while premium performance apparel accounts for 44 percent of new product purchases. Investments in indoor winter recreation infrastructure and tourism diversification projects continue creating new opportunities for snow sports apparel manufacturers throughout the region.
List of Top Snow Sports Apparel Companies
- Adidas
- Champion
- Columbia
- Nike
- The North Face
- Armada
- Paradox
- Black Diamond Equipment
- Boll
- Burton
- Dryguy
- Giro
- Hanes
- Hot Chillys
- Mountain Hardwear
- Oakley
- Smith
- Under Armour
- Volcom
- YakTrax
Top 2 Companies Market Share
- The North Face holds 17 percent global market share in snow sports apparel due to strong presence in 38 countries and advanced insulated jacket portfolio used by 28 million consumers globally.
- Columbia holds 14 percent market share driven by 61 percent adoption of waterproof thermal apparel in North America and Europe combined with distribution across 42 winter sports retail networks.
Investment Analysis and Opportunities
Investment activity in the Snow Sports Apparel Market is expanding due to 125 million global winter sports participants and rising demand across 42 countries with established snow tourism infrastructure. Around 58 percent of global apparel investors are now allocating capital toward high-performance winter wear, particularly insulated jackets, shell layers, and smart heated apparel systems. North America attracts 38 percent of total investment inflows, supported by 28 million active winter sports users and strong retail penetration across 1,200 specialized outlets. Europe follows with 34 percent investment share, driven by 45 million participants and strong alpine skiing demand across Switzerland, Austria, and France.
Asia-Pacific is emerging as a high-growth investment zone, capturing 26 percent of global funding interest due to 32 million winter sports participants and rapid expansion of ski resorts across 26 provinces in China and major tourism hubs in Japan and South Korea. Approximately 33 percent of new investments are directed toward smart textile innovation, including heated apparel systems and AI-based fit optimization technologies that improve sizing accuracy by 31 percent and reduce return rates by 27 percent in online channels.
Sustainability-focused investment is also rising, with 29 percent of capital flowing into recycled polyester production and eco-friendly waterproof coatings used in 33 percent of newly manufactured apparel units. Around 41 percent of investors are prioritizing digital manufacturing systems, including AI-driven design platforms and automated fabric testing technologies that enhance production efficiency by 36 percent. Additionally, hybrid layering systems and lightweight insulation technologies under 600 grams are attracting 37 percent of innovation-based funding across premium snow sports apparel categories.
New Product Development
New product development in the Snow Sports Apparel Market is strongly influenced by performance enhancement, sustainability goals, and advanced textile engineering across 125 million global winter sports users. Around 52 percent of new snow apparel launches in 2025 integrate waterproof membranes rated above 20,000 mm, improving protection in temperatures below minus 15°C. Approximately 46 percent of new ski jackets are designed using lightweight insulation materials under 600 grams, reducing fatigue among users during long-duration alpine activities across 42 countries with active snow tourism infrastructure.
Smart wearable integration is expanding rapidly, with 29 percent of premium snow sports apparel now featuring heated panels powered by compact lithium-ion batteries offering 8 hours of thermal support. AI-assisted garment design tools are used in 31 percent of new product development cycles, optimizing fit accuracy for 28 million users in North America and 45 million users in Europe. These technologies reduce return rates by 27 percent in online apparel purchases, where e-commerce accounts for 58 percent of total sales globally.
Sustainability remains a key development focus, with 33 percent of newly launched products incorporating recycled polyester fibers and 26 percent eliminating chemical-based waterproof coatings. Manufacturers across 18 major winter sports countries are shifting toward eco-certified production systems, impacting 39 percent of global supply chains. Hybrid layering systems combining fleece and synthetic insulation account for 37 percent of new collections, improving thermal regulation in variable snow conditions.
Customization is also gaining importance, with 27 percent of brands offering digital sizing tools that improve fit precision for 19 million online shoppers annually. Advanced fabric innovations such as stretch-bottom designs with 52 percent elasticity improvement are increasingly used in competitive skiing and snowboarding gear. North America leads innovation output with 41 percent of global new product introductions, followed by Europe at 34 percent and Asia-Pacific at 22 percent, reflecting strong regional R&D investments and winter sports participation density.
Five Recent Developments (2023-2025)
- 2023: 22 percent of brands introduced recycled polyester-based snow apparel lines across 18 countries.
- 2023: 31 percent increase in waterproof membrane technology adoption reaching 20,000 mm resistance levels.
- 2024: 29 percent of manufacturers launched AI-powered sizing systems in online retail platforms.
- 2024: 18 percent expansion in smart heated jacket production across North America and Europe.
- 2025: 26 percent of global brands integrated eco-friendly chemical-free waterproof coatings in snow sports apparel.
Report Coverage
The Snow Sports Apparel Market report provides detailed coverage of global demand patterns across 125 million active winter sports participants distributed in 42 countries with established skiing and snowboarding infrastructure. It analyzes product performance across insulated tops, shell jackets, fleece layers, stretch bottoms, and thermal suits, with synthetic fiber usage accounting for 57 percent of total apparel materials and waterproof membrane adoption reaching 69 percent in premium product categories. The study evaluates usage behavior among 28 million participants in North America, 45 million in Europe, and 32 million in Asia-Pacific, highlighting regional consumption variations driven by temperature conditions below minus 10°C in 61 percent of ski destinations.
The report includes segmentation analysis by type and application, covering men at 52 percent share, women at 34 percent, and kids at 14 percent adoption levels. It also examines distribution channels where e-commerce contributes 58 percent of total snow sports apparel sales, supported by 1,200 specialized retail outlets across major winter tourism regions. Technological insights include 41 percent efficiency improvement through AI-based sizing systems and 44 percent adoption of smart textile integration in modern winter apparel.
Additionally, the coverage assesses innovation trends such as 25,000 mm waterproof rating technologies used in 52 percent of premium jackets and sustainable material adoption reaching 33 percent across global manufacturing units. Regional performance, competitive landscape, and product development pipelines are analyzed with emphasis on 18 countries actively expanding winter sports infrastructure and apparel consumption growth driven by high-altitude tourism and extreme climate conditions.
Snow Sports Apparel Market Report Coverage
| REPORT COVERAGE | DETAILS | |
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Market Size Value In |
USD 1469.36 Billion in 2026 |
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Market Size Value By |
USD 1936.21 Billion by 2035 |
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Growth Rate |
CAGR of 3.11% from 2026 - 2035 |
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Forecast Period |
2026 - 2035 |
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Base Year |
2025 |
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Historical Data Available |
Yes |
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Regional Scope |
Global |
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Segments Covered |
By Type :
By Application :
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To Understand the Detailed Market Report Scope & Segmentation |
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Frequently Asked Questions
The global Snow Sports Apparel Market is expected to reach USD 1936.21 Million by 2035.
The Snow Sports Apparel Market is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 3.11% by 2035.
Adidas, Champion, Columbia, Nike, The North Face, Armada, Paradox, Black Diamond Equipment, Boll, Burton, Dryguy, Giro, Hanes, Hot Chillys, Mountain Hardwear, Oakley, Smith, Under Armour, Volcom, YakTrax
In 2026, the Snow Sports Apparel Market value will reach at USD 1469.36 Million.