HS Code:
Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted, fall under HS Code 62. This category includes a wide range of clothing items such as suits, jackets, trousers, shirts, dresses, skirts, and accessories like belts and scarves made from woven or other non-knitted fabrics. These products are essential in the global fashion and textile industry, catering to diverse consumer needs across casual, formal, and specialized apparel markets. Trade in this category is influenced by factors such as labor costs, raw material availability, fashion trends, and trade agreements.
Total Trade Volume
USD 166 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 62 billion
37.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 22 billion
13.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 18 billion
10.8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 10 billion
6.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 8 billion
4.8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
12.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
35% (in certain protective markets like the United States for specific subcategories)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as EU-Vietnam FTA or CPTPP)
Shift towards sustainable and ethical fashion
Increased demand for apparel made from organic or recycled materials, pushing manufacturers to adopt greener practices. This trend also increases costs but opens premium market segments.
2021-2023
Rise of fast fashion and e-commerce
Rapid production cycles and online retail platforms have boosted trade volumes, especially from low-cost manufacturing hubs like Bangladesh and Vietnam, while putting pressure on traditional retail models.
2019-2022
Regional trade agreements boosting exports
Agreements like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) have reduced tariffs for countries like Vietnam, increasing their export competitiveness.
2020-2023
The European Union introduced new regulations under the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles, mandating stricter environmental and labor standards for imported apparel.
March 2022
Increased compliance costs for exporters, particularly from developing countries, but also opens opportunities for those already aligned with sustainable practices.
Ongoing trade disputes have led to additional tariffs on Chinese apparel imports to the US, prompting some manufacturers to relocate production to Southeast Asian countries.
January 2023
Diversification of supply chains away from China, benefiting countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh with increased orders.
Bangladesh continues to benefit from the EUโs Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP+), allowing duty-free access for apparel exports while maintaining labor and environmental commitments.
November 2022
Strengthened Bangladeshโs position as a leading exporter to the EU, sustaining growth in trade volume despite global economic challenges.