HS Code:
The category of Attache cases, briefcases, school satchels, occupational luggage cases, and similar containers (HS Code: 4202.11, 4202.12, 4202.19) includes a variety of portable carrying cases made from materials such as leather, plastic, or textile. These products are primarily used for personal, educational, or professional purposes to carry documents, school supplies, tools, or other items. This category is part of the broader luggage and travel goods sector and caters to diverse consumer needs ranging from business travel to student requirements. Global trade in this category is influenced by factors such as material costs, labor availability, consumer preferences for durability and design, and economic conditions affecting travel and education sectors.
Total Trade Volume
USD 5.8 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
Average Rate
8.5%
Highest Rate
35% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Japan EPA or USMCA)
Shift towards sustainable materials
Increased demand for eco-friendly and vegan leather products is pushing manufacturers to adopt sustainable practices, impacting production costs and market positioning.
2021-2023
Rise in remote work and digital nomadism
Growing demand for multifunctional briefcases and laptop bags designed for tech-savvy professionals, driving innovation in design and features.
2020-2022
Growth in e-commerce sales channels
Direct-to-consumer sales and online marketplaces have expanded market access for smaller manufacturers, intensifying competition and reducing prices.
2019-2023
The European Union introduced new regulations under the REACH framework to limit the use of harmful chemicals in luggage production, affecting exporters from Asia.
March 2023
Increased compliance costs for manufacturers exporting to the EU, potentially reducing profit margins or raising prices for consumers.
Additional tariffs were imposed by the US on Chinese-made luggage and briefcases as part of ongoing trade disputes, prompting supply chain shifts to Vietnam and India.
September 2022
Diversification of supply chains away from China, benefiting other Southeast Asian countries but increasing costs in the short term due to logistical adjustments.
Vietnam signed multiple free trade agreements (e.g., EVFTA with the EU), boosting its position as a leading exporter of luggage and briefcases with competitive pricing.
January 2023
Increased market share for Vietnam, challenging China's dominance and providing more options for importers seeking cost-effective alternatives.