HS Code:
This category pertains to footwear (other than for women) with uppers made of vegetable fibers, featuring open toes or open heels. At least 30 percent of the external surface area of the uppers, including any sheepskin accessories or reinforcements (as per note 4(a) to Chapter 64), must be sheepskin. The outer soles of this footwear have textile materials with the greatest surface area in contact with the ground, but these are not accounted for under the terms of additional U.S. note 5 to Chapter 64. This specific product falls under HS subheading 6404.19.36, which covers a niche segment of footwear that combines natural and textile materials, often targeted at casual or seasonal markets.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $150 million USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and ITC Trade Map
$60 million USD
40% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$30 million USD
20% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$20 million USD
13.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$15 million USD
10% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$10 million USD
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
9.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12.5% (imposed by certain countries under specific trade agreements)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA for qualifying countries)
Rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly footwear
Increased preference for vegetable fiber and sheepskin materials drives market growth, especially in North America and Europe
2021-2022
Shift towards casual and open-toe designs
Boosts demand in warmer climates and during summer seasons, affecting seasonal trade patterns
2020-2022
Growth in e-commerce platforms
Facilitates direct-to-consumer sales, reducing dependency on traditional retail channels and impacting trade volumes from manufacturing hubs
2019-2022
The European Union introduced stricter sustainability standards for footwear imports, mandating detailed sourcing transparency for vegetable fibers and sheepskin.
January 2023
Exporters from developing countries may face higher compliance costs, potentially reducing competitiveness against domestic producers.
The United States extended tariff waivers for certain footwear categories under HS 6404.19.36 from select countries as part of trade negotiations.
March 2023
Increased export opportunities for countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh to the U.S. market, likely boosting trade volumes.
A bilateral trade agreement between Vietnam and China reduced tariffs on niche footwear categories, including those under HS 6404.19.36.
July 2022
Enhanced intra-Asian trade flows, with Vietnam emerging as a key supplier of raw materials and finished products to China.