HS Code:
The category 'Harsh or rough, having a staple length under 19.05 mm (3/4 inch)' typically refers to a specific type of raw cotton classified under the Harmonized System (HS) Code, likely falling within the 5201 series for raw cotton not carded or combed. This category includes lower-grade cotton with shorter fiber lengths, often used in the production of coarse textiles, industrial fabrics, or blended materials. Due to its characteristics, this type of cotton is less desirable for high-quality textile production but remains significant in specific industrial applications. Global trade in this category is influenced by agricultural output, regional demand for industrial textiles, and price competitiveness in comparison to higher-grade cotton.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $500 million USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and International Trade Centre (ITC) Trade Map
$150 million USD
30% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$100 million USD
20% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$80 million USD
16% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
$60 million USD
12% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$50 million USD
10% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements or preferential trade schemes such as GSP)
Shift towards sustainable cotton production
Increased demand for certified sustainable harsh cotton, though limited by shorter staple length applications, pushing exporters to adopt better agricultural practices
2021-2022
Rising industrial demand in Asia
Growing manufacturing sectors in countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam are driving demand for low-cost raw materials like harsh cotton for coarse textiles and non-woven products
2020-2022
Price volatility due to climate impacts
Erratic weather patterns in major cotton-producing regions have led to supply shortages, increasing price fluctuations and affecting trade stability
2019-2022
India introduced subsidies for cotton exports, including harsh cotton varieties, to boost farmer incomes and clear surplus stock amidst global supply chain disruptions.
March 2022
Increased export competitiveness for Indian harsh cotton, potentially affecting market shares of competitors like Pakistan and Brazil.
As part of the US-China trade deal, China agreed to increase purchases of US agricultural products, including raw cotton, though harsh cotton remains a smaller segment of this trade.
January 2020 (ongoing effects in 2022)
Slight recovery in US harsh cotton exports to China, though long-term trends remain downward due to competition from cheaper sources.
The European Union introduced stricter sustainability and traceability requirements for cotton imports, impacting exporters of harsh cotton who must now comply with environmental standards.
July 2022
Potential trade barriers for non-compliant exporters, while benefiting those with certified sustainable production practices.