HS Code:
Blue denim, often classified under HS Code 5209.42, refers to woven fabrics of cotton, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, dyed, specifically in a denim weave. This category is a cornerstone of the global textile and apparel industry, widely used in the production of jeans, jackets, and other casual wear. Blue denim is prized for its durability, versatility, and timeless appeal, making it a staple in fashion across various demographics and regions. The trade of blue denim is influenced by factors such as cotton production, labor costs, sustainability concerns, and changing consumer preferences for eco-friendly and ethically produced materials.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $5.2 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
UN Comtrade Database, International Trade Centre (ITC)
$1.3 billion USD
25% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$900 million USD
17% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$700 million USD
13% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$550 million USD
11% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$400 million USD
8% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
8-12% ad valorem
Highest Rate
Up to 25% (in certain developing markets with protective policies)
Lowest Rate
0-2% (under free trade agreements like EU-USMCA or CPTPP)
Rising demand for sustainable denim
Increased investment in organic cotton and recycled denim production, influencing sourcing patterns and increasing costs for non-sustainable producers.
2021-2023
Shift to fast fashion and customization
Growing demand for quick production cycles and personalized denim products, benefiting countries with agile manufacturing capabilities like Bangladesh and Vietnam.
2020-2022
Digitalization in supply chains
Adoption of blockchain for traceability and AI for demand forecasting, improving efficiency but requiring significant capital investment.
2022-2023
The European Union introduced stricter sustainability regulations under the Green Deal, mandating lower carbon footprints and higher recycling rates for textile imports, including blue denim.
March 2023
Increased compliance costs for exporters, especially from Asia, but potential market advantage for producers with established sustainable practices.
Phase One trade agreement revisions led to a temporary reduction in tariffs on certain textile categories, including denim, exported from China to the US.
January 2023
Boosted Chinese denim exports to the US by approximately 10%, though long-term stability remains uncertain due to geopolitical tensions.
Bangladesh surpassed several competitors to become the second-largest exporter of denim products, driven by low labor costs and investments in modern textile mills.
July 2022
Shifted trade patterns, with more Western brands sourcing from Bangladesh, potentially pressuring other exporters like Turkey and Italy.