HS Code:
Hat shapes, plaited or made by assembling strips of any material, neither blocked to shape, nor with made brims, not lined, nor trimmed (HS Code: 6502.00) refer to unfinished hat forms or bases that are typically used as raw materials in the millinery industry. These products are made from materials like straw, felt, or synthetic fibers, plaited or assembled into basic shapes. They serve as the foundation for finished hats once shaped, brimmed, lined, and trimmed. This category is crucial in the global headwear supply chain, often traded in bulk for further processing in manufacturing hubs.
Total Trade Volume
USD 45.6 million
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
Average Rate
6.5%
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Vietnam FTA)
Shift towards sustainable materials
Increased demand for hat shapes made from eco-friendly and biodegradable materials like organic straw or recycled fibers, driven by consumer preference for sustainability.
2021-2022
Growth in Asian manufacturing hubs
Countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh are becoming key exporters due to low labor costs and favorable trade agreements, challenging traditional exporters like Italy.
2020-2022
Decline in demand for traditional hat shapes
Reduced interest in formal headwear in favor of casual styles has slightly decreased demand for classic hat shapes in Western markets.
2019-2022
The EU-Vietnam FTA, fully implemented in 2020, has reduced tariffs on hat shapes exported from Vietnam to the EU, boosting trade volumes significantly.
August 2020
Increased market share for Vietnamese exporters in Europe, displacing some traditional suppliers.
Ongoing US-China trade tensions have led to additional tariffs on Chinese hat shapes, prompting US importers to source from alternative countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh.
January 2022
Diversification of supply chains away from China, benefiting other Asian exporters.
New EU regulations on sustainable sourcing and production have pushed manufacturers to adopt greener practices in the production of hat shapes.
March 2023
Increased production costs for non-compliant exporters, while benefiting those already using sustainable materials.