HS Code:
Baseball and softball gloves and mitts (HS Code: 420321) are specialized sporting goods designed for players to catch and field balls during games. These products are typically made from leather or synthetic materials and are tailored for specific positions on the field, such as catcher’s mitts, first baseman’s gloves, and outfielder’s gloves. The global trade of baseball and softball gloves is driven by demand in major markets like the United States, Japan, and parts of Latin America, where these sports are culturally significant. Production is often concentrated in countries with lower labor costs and expertise in leatherworking.
Total Trade Volume
USD 250 million
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 80 million
32% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 60 million
24% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 40 million
16% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 30 million (imports)
12% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 20 million (imports)
8% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA)
Shift to Synthetic Materials
Increasing use of synthetic materials over traditional leather due to cost efficiency and vegan consumer preferences, leading to lower production costs but potential quality concerns.
2021-2022
Growth in Youth Sports
Rising participation in youth baseball and softball leagues in North America and Asia-Pacific regions is driving demand for affordable, entry-level gloves.
2020-2022
E-commerce Expansion
Online retail platforms are becoming a dominant sales channel, allowing manufacturers to reach global consumers directly and reduce dependency on traditional distributors.
2019-2022
Revised rules of origin under the USMCA have encouraged more regional production of baseball gloves, benefiting manufacturers in Mexico and reducing reliance on Asian imports.
January 2023
Potential increase in North American market share for gloves, with reduced tariffs for qualifying products.
Vietnam has emerged as a leading exporter of baseball gloves due to investments in leatherworking facilities and favorable trade agreements with the US and EU.
October 2022
Increased competition for traditional exporters like the Philippines, with lower prices benefiting importers.
New EU regulations on leather production have imposed stricter environmental standards, affecting exporters who rely on traditional tanning methods.
March 2023
Higher compliance costs for producers, potentially increasing prices in European markets.