HS Code:
Brassieres classifiable under subheading 6212.10 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) include women's undergarments designed to support the bust, whether cut and sewn or otherwise assembled in the United States or designated beneficiary countries under specific trade agreements. This category is subject to provisions outlined in U.S. note 2(d) of the relevant subchapter, which often pertains to textile and apparel articles under specific trade programs such as the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) or other preferential trade agreements. These provisions may include rules of origin requirements and quota limitations.
Total Trade Volume
USD 1.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database & U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC)
Average Rate
6.6% ad valorem
Highest Rate
16.9% ad valorem (for non-preferential trade partners)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA or CBI)
Shift to Sustainable Materials
Increased demand for brassieres made from organic cotton and recycled materials, driving production shifts in countries with sustainable supply chains like Vietnam and Bangladesh.
2021-2022
Growth in E-commerce
Direct-to-consumer brands have boosted imports through online platforms, favoring countries with efficient logistics such as Vietnam and Mexico.
2020-2022
Nearshoring in the Americas
Increased production in Mexico and Central American countries under USMCA and CBI to reduce lead times and benefit from preferential tariffs.
2022
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) has led to a surge in brassiere exports from Mexico to the U.S. due to preferential tariff treatment and strict rules of origin compliance.
January 2022
Increased market share for Mexico, potentially reducing reliance on Asian suppliers.
Additional tariffs on Chinese apparel under Section 301 have prompted a shift in sourcing to Vietnam and Bangladesh for brassieres under HTS 6212.10.
September 2021
Reduced imports from China, with a corresponding rise in trade from Southeast Asian countries.
Major U.S. retailers have mandated sustainability certifications for brassiere suppliers, influencing sourcing decisions toward countries with certified manufacturers.
March 2023
Favors countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam with growing certified production capacities.