HS Code:
The HS Codes 6203.42.40 and 6204.62.40 refer to men's or boys' trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches, and shorts (6203.42.40) and women's or girls' trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches, and shorts (6204.62.40), made of cotton, not knitted or crocheted. These subheadings fall under Chapter 62 of the Harmonized System, which covers articles of apparel and clothing accessories. This category is significant in the global textile and apparel trade, representing casual and workwear clothing items that are widely produced and consumed across various demographics and markets.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $15.8 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and World Trade Organization (WTO) Statistics
$5.2 billion USD
32.9% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$2.1 billion USD
13.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$1.8 billion USD
11.4% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$1.3 billion USD
8.2% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$0.9 billion USD
5.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
10.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
25% (applied by certain countries on non-preferential trade partners)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as USMCA or EU-Vietnam FTA)
Shift towards sustainable and organic cotton
Increased demand for eco-friendly production processes is pushing manufacturers to adopt sustainable practices, impacting costs and pricing structures.
2021-2023
Growth in e-commerce for apparel
Direct-to-consumer sales channels are expanding, allowing exporters to reach global markets more efficiently but increasing competition.
2020-2023
Nearshoring in apparel production
Western countries are sourcing from closer regions (e.g., Mexico for the US, Turkey for the EU) to reduce lead times and shipping costs, affecting traditional Asian exporters.
2022-2023
Continued imposition of additional tariffs by the US on Chinese apparel imports under Section 301 has led to a partial shift of production to other countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh.
Mid-2022
Diversification of supply chains away from China, benefiting other exporting countries but increasing costs for US consumers.
The EU is implementing policies to tax carbon-intensive imports, which may affect apparel exporters with high carbon footprints in production.
October 2023 (planned rollout)
Potential cost increases for exporters not adopting greener practices, pushing for sustainability in production.
Bangladesh is set to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2026, potentially losing duty-free access to key markets like the EU under the Everything But Arms (EBA) scheme.
Projected 2026
Possible reduction in competitiveness unless alternative trade agreements are secured, affecting trade volumes.