HS Code:
The Boys' (338) category, typically classified under HS Code 6203 or 6103 (depending on whether it pertains to woven or knitted apparel), encompasses clothing items specifically designed for boys, such as shirts, trousers, jackets, and suits. This category excludes infants' clothing and focuses on garments for young males generally aged between 2 to 14 years. The global trade of boys' apparel is influenced by factors like fashion trends, seasonal demand, labor costs in manufacturing countries, and trade agreements that impact tariffs and market access. This category is a significant segment of the broader apparel industry, driven by both fast fashion and premium brands targeting different market segments.
Total Trade Volume
USD 12.5 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database & World Trade Organization (WTO) Statistics
USD 4.8 billion
38.4% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 2.1 billion
16.8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 1.5 billion
12.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 1.0 billion
8.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 0.8 billion
6.4% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
12.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
32% (imposed by certain developing markets for protecting local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Vietnam FTA or USMCA)
Rising demand for sustainable and organic clothing
Increased production costs but higher consumer willingness to pay premium prices in developed markets like the EU and US
2021-2022
Growth of e-commerce platforms
Expanded market reach for exporters, especially in Asia, with direct-to-consumer sales models gaining traction
2020-2022
Shift of production to Southeast Asia
Countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh are gaining market share due to lower labor costs and favorable trade agreements
2019-2022
The EVFTA, fully implemented in 2020, has reduced tariffs on Vietnamese apparel exports to the EU, boosting Vietnam's share in the boys' apparel market.
August 2020 - Ongoing
Increased exports from Vietnam by approximately 20% annually in this category.
Ongoing trade disputes have led to additional tariffs on Chinese apparel exports to the US, prompting buyers to diversify sourcing to countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam.
2019 - Present
Slight decline in China's dominance, with a redistribution of trade volume to other Asian countries.
The global apparel industry faced significant delays and cost increases due to supply chain disruptions during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting boys' apparel trade.
2020 - 2022
Temporary reduction in trade volume by 10-15% in 2020, with recovery seen in 2021-2022.