HS Code:
The Blouses and Shirts category (HS Code: 6206 for women's or girls' blouses, shirts, and shirt-blouses, and HS Code: 6205 for men's or boys' shirts) includes a wide range of apparel made from various materials such as cotton, silk, and synthetic fibers. This category is a significant segment of the global apparel market, catering to both casual and formal wear. Trade in this category is driven by fashion trends, seasonal demand, and cost-effective manufacturing in developing countries.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $28 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database & World Trade Organization (WTO)
$9.5 billion USD
33.9% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$3.8 billion USD
13.6% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$2.5 billion USD
8.9% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$1.9 billion USD
6.8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$1.2 billion USD
4.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
12.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
Up to 32% (in certain protective markets like the EU for non-preferential trade partners)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as USMCA or EU-Vietnam FTA)
Shift to Sustainable Materials
Increased demand for organic cotton and recycled fabrics due to consumer preference for eco-friendly products, pushing manufacturers to adopt sustainable practices.
2021-2023
Rise of Fast Fashion
Growing influence of fast fashion brands has led to higher production volumes and shorter product cycles, benefiting low-cost manufacturing hubs like Bangladesh and Vietnam.
2019-2022
Digitalization in Supply Chain
Adoption of e-commerce and digital supply chain tools has improved market access for smaller exporters and reduced lead times for blouse and shirt deliveries.
2020-2023
The EVFTA, fully implemented in 2020, has reduced tariffs on Vietnamese apparel exports to the EU, boosting Vietnam's market share in the blouses and shirts category.
August 2020
Vietnamese exports to the EU increased by 15% in 2022, challenging competitors like Bangladesh.
Ongoing trade tensions have led to additional tariffs on Chinese apparel exports to the US, prompting buyers to diversify sourcing to countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh.
2019-2023
China's share in the US market dropped by 5% since 2019, while Vietnam's share grew by 3%.
After disruptions caused by COVID-19, global supply chains for apparel have stabilized with increased focus on nearshoring and regional production hubs.
2022-2023
Countries like Turkey and Mexico have seen a rise in orders due to proximity to major markets (EU and US).