HS Code:
The 'Containing less than 85 percent by weight of wool (400)' category, often associated with Harmonized System (HS) codes under chapters like 51 (wool and fine or coarse animal hair) or 62 (articles of apparel), refers to textiles or clothing products where wool constitutes less than 85% of the total weight. This category includes blended fabrics or garments that combine wool with other materials such as cotton, synthetic fibers, or other natural fibers. These products are widely used in the apparel industry for items like suits, jackets, and sweaters, balancing cost, durability, and comfort. Global trade in this category is influenced by fashion trends, raw material availability, labor costs, and trade policies.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $15.3 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and International Trade Centre (ITC)
$4.2 billion USD
27.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$2.8 billion USD
18.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$1.9 billion USD
12.4% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$1.5 billion USD
9.8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$1.2 billion USD
7.8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
8.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
25% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement or CPTPP)
Shift towards sustainable and blended fabrics
Increased demand for eco-friendly wool blends with recycled or organic materials, driven by consumer awareness and regulatory pressures in Europe and North America.
2021-2023
Rise of fast fashion
Growth in low-cost production hubs like Vietnam and Bangladesh, leading to higher export volumes but downward pressure on prices and margins.
2019-2022
Digitalization of supply chains
Adoption of technology for traceability and efficiency in production, benefiting major exporters like China and Italy with better market access and cost control.
2020-2023
The European Union's Green Deal introduced stricter sustainability requirements for textile imports, including products in this category, mandating lower carbon footprints and sustainable sourcing.
January 2023
Exporters from developing countries face higher compliance costs, potentially reducing competitiveness against EU-based producers like Italy.
A partial rollback of additional tariffs on Chinese textile products by the US has led to a resurgence in exports of wool-blend garments from China to the US market.
March 2022
Boosted China's trade volume by an estimated 10% in this category, reinforcing its position as the top exporter.
The EVFTA, fully implemented in 2022, reduced tariffs on Vietnamese textile exports to the EU, enhancing market access for wool-blend apparel.
August 2022
Increased Vietnam’s trade volume by 15% in 2022, positioning it as a key alternative to traditional exporters like China.