HS Code:
The Boys' (340) category, typically classified under HS Code 6203 (Men's or Boys' Suits, Ensembles, Jackets, Blazers, Trousers, etc., of woven textile fabrics), encompasses clothing items specifically designed for boys, including suits, jackets, trousers, and similar apparel. This category is a significant segment of the global apparel market, driven by demand for both casual and formal wear across various age groups of boys. The trade in this category is influenced by factors such as fashion trends, seasonal demand, and economic conditions in key markets. Production is often concentrated in countries with strong textile industries and low labor costs, while consumption is widespread across developed and developing economies.
Total Trade Volume
USD 12.5 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
Average Rate
12.5%
Highest Rate
35% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as EU-Vietnam FTA)
Rising demand for sustainable and organic clothing
Increased production of eco-friendly boys' apparel using organic cotton and recycled materials, influencing sourcing and manufacturing practices
2021-2022
Growth in e-commerce for children's apparel
Significant shift towards online retail platforms, enabling exporters to reach global consumers directly and boosting trade volumes
2020-2022
Shift in production to Southeast Asia
Countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh are gaining market share due to lower labor costs and trade agreements, challenging China's dominance
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' clothing market.
August 2020
Increased exports from Vietnam by approximately 20% in the boys' apparel category to EU markets.
Ongoing trade tensions have led to additional tariffs on Chinese apparel exports to the US, prompting buyers to diversify sourcing to other countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam.
January 2022
Slight decline in China's market share in the US for boys' apparel, with a redistribution of trade to other exporters.
New EU regulations mandate stricter sustainability and ethical production standards for children's clothing, including traceability of materials.
March 2023
Increased compliance costs for exporters but also opportunities for those already aligned with sustainable practices.