HS Code:
This category includes men's footwear with leather uppers (excluding pigskin) and outer soles of rubber or plastics, valued at $27 per pair or higher. It excludes house slippers, work footwear, sports shoes (like tennis, basketball, gym, and training shoes), slip-on footwear, and footwear covering the ankle. These shoes are designed as protective footwear against water, oil, grease, chemicals, or cold/inclement weather, with water protection provided by laminated textile fabric. Classified under HS subheading 6403.99.60, this niche segment targets specific consumer needs for durable, high-value protective footwear.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $1.2 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and ITC Trade Map
$320 million USD
26.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$250 million USD
20.8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$180 million USD
15.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$150 million USD
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$100 million USD
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
9.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (United States on certain imports)
Lowest Rate
0% (under specific free trade agreements, e.g., EU-Vietnam FTA)
Rising demand for sustainable materials
Increased focus on eco-friendly leather and recyclable soles, driving production costs up but attracting environmentally conscious consumers
2021-2023
Growth in e-commerce sales
Direct-to-consumer models have boosted market access for smaller manufacturers, especially in Asia, while challenging traditional retail
2020-2023
Shift towards Asian manufacturing hubs
Countries like Vietnam and India are gaining market share due to lower production costs and favorable trade agreements
2019-2023
The EVFTA, fully implemented in 2023, has reduced tariffs on Vietnamese footwear exports to the EU, boosting trade volumes significantly.
August 2023
Vietnamese exports under this HS code increased by 15% year-on-year, challenging European producers.
Continued Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods have led to a shift in sourcing to Vietnam and India for US importers of protective footwear.
March 2023
Non-Chinese Asian exporters have seen a 10-12% rise in US market share for this category.
The EU introduced stricter sustainability and chemical use standards for leather footwear, impacting production processes.
January 2023
Manufacturers face higher compliance costs, potentially increasing retail prices by 5-8% in the EU market.