HS Code:
The 'Bottoms' category, typically falling under HS Code 6204 (women's or girls' trousers, skirts, etc.) and 6203 (men's or boys' trousers, etc.), includes clothing items such as trousers, jeans, shorts, skirts, and leggings. This category is a significant segment of the global apparel market, driven by fashion trends, seasonal demand, and the rise of casual and athleisure wear. The trade of bottoms is influenced by factors like labor costs, raw material availability (cotton, denim, synthetic fibers), and trade agreements.
Total Trade Volume
USD 90.5 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 28.3 billion
31.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 12.1 billion
13.4% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 9.8 billion
10.8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 6.2 billion
6.9% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 5.1 billion
5.6% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
12.5%
Highest Rate
35% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Vietnam FTA or USMCA)
Rise of Sustainable Fashion
Increased demand for eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester in bottoms, pushing manufacturers to adopt greener practices.
2021-2023
Growth of Athleisure Wear
Significant growth in demand for leggings and joggers as casual and workout wear, boosting exports from countries with strong synthetic fabric production.
2020-2022
E-commerce Boom
Online retail platforms have expanded market access for smaller exporters, increasing trade volumes and competition.
2019-2023
The EVFTA, implemented in 2020, has reduced tariffs on Vietnamese apparel exports to the EU, making Vietnam a key supplier of bottoms to European markets.
August 2020
Increased export volumes from Vietnam by approximately 15% annually since 2020.
Ongoing trade tensions between the US and China have led to additional tariffs on Chinese apparel, prompting buyers to diversify sourcing to countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam.
September 2019 - Present
Shift in trade patterns, with a 5-7% decrease in Chinese bottoms exports to the US.
Bangladesh is set to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2026, potentially losing duty-free access to key markets like the EU under the Everything But Arms (EBA) scheme.
Projected 2026
Possible increase in export costs, which may affect its competitiveness in the bottoms category.