HS Code:
The Baseballs and Softballs category, classified under HS Code 9506.69, encompasses sports equipment specifically designed for baseball and softball games. These products include leather, synthetic, and rubber balls used in professional, amateur, and recreational settings. This category is a niche but significant segment of the broader sports goods market, driven by demand in countries with strong baseball and softball cultures, such as the United States, Japan, and parts of Latin America. Trade in this category is influenced by factors like manufacturing costs, material quality standards, and seasonal demand tied to sports leagues and events.
Total Trade Volume
USD 150 million
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 60 million
40% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 30 million
20% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 25 million
17% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 15 million
10% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 10 million
7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
4.5%
Highest Rate
10% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA)
Shift towards synthetic materials
Increasing use of synthetic leather and composite materials in baseballs and softballs to reduce costs and improve durability, impacting traditional leather-based manufacturers.
2021-2022
Growth in youth and amateur sports
Rising participation in youth leagues and school programs in North America and Asia is driving demand for affordable, high-quality balls tailored for different skill levels.
2020-2022
Sustainability concerns
Growing consumer and regulatory pressure for eco-friendly production processes is pushing manufacturers to adopt sustainable materials and reduce waste in production.
2022
Under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, tariffs on sports equipment, including baseballs and softballs, were reduced to 0% among member countries, boosting trade flows.
January 2022
Increased exports from Mexico to the US and Canada, strengthening regional supply chains.
Chinese manufacturers have ramped up production of low-cost softballs, targeting emerging markets in Asia and Latin America, amidst concerns over quality standards.
Mid-2022
Intensified competition for established brands in the US and Japan, potential for anti-dumping investigations.
Major League Baseball renewed its long-term contract with Rawlings as the official baseball supplier, ensuring consistent demand for high-quality balls produced in Costa Rica.
October 2022
Stabilizes trade volume for premium baseballs while supporting jobs in Central America.