HS Code:
The Boys' (351) category, often classified under specific HS Codes related to children's clothing (e.g., HS 6203 for boys' suits, ensembles, jackets, etc., and HS 6103 for knitted or crocheted garments), encompasses apparel specifically designed for boys, including shirts, trousers, jackets, and other clothing items. This category is a significant segment of the global textile and apparel industry, driven by population growth, fashion trends, and seasonal demand. The trade in this category is influenced by factors such as labor costs, raw material availability, and trade agreements.
Total Trade Volume
USD 15.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database & World Trade Organization (WTO)
USD 5.8 billion
38.2% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 2.1 billion
13.8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 1.9 billion
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 1.3 billion
8.6% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 0.9 billion
5.9% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
12.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
32% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA or EU-Vietnam FTA)
Shift towards sustainable and organic materials
Increased demand for eco-friendly boys' clothing made from organic cotton or recycled fabrics, driven by consumer awareness and regulatory pressures in markets like the EU and US.
2021-2023
Growth in e-commerce sales
Significant rise in online purchases of boys' apparel, especially post-COVID-19, leading to higher direct-to-consumer trade and reduced reliance on traditional retail channels.
2020-2022
Rising labor costs in key exporting countries
Countries like China and Bangladesh face increasing production costs, prompting buyers to explore alternative manufacturing hubs such as Vietnam and Ethiopia.
2019-2023
The European Union introduced updated regulations on chemical usage in children's clothing, requiring exporters to comply with REACH standards to avoid market entry barriers.
March 2023
Increased production costs for exporters but improved product safety and consumer trust in the EU market.
Phase One trade deal between the US and China included provisions to reduce tariffs on certain apparel categories, including boys' clothing, benefiting Chinese exporters.
January 2022
Boosted Chinese exports to the US by approximately 5% in the boys' apparel segment.
Bangladesh retained its Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP+) status with the EU, allowing duty-free access for boys' clothing exports under strict labor and environmental compliance.
November 2022
Strengthened Bangladesh's position as a leading supplier to the EU, increasing trade volume by 8% year-on-year.