HS Code:
The category of 'Hats and headgear of vegetable fibers, of unspun fibrous vegetable materials, of paper yarn or of any combination thereof, of plaited strips or made by assembling strips and not sewed' (HS Code 6504.00.60) includes headwear made from natural materials such as straw, bamboo, raffia, and other vegetable fibers, or paper yarn. These products are typically handmade or crafted using traditional weaving or plaiting techniques, often used for sun protection or cultural and fashion purposes. This category excludes sewn hats and focuses on assembled or plaited designs. Trade in this category is driven by demand for sustainable, eco-friendly fashion and cultural or artisanal products, with significant production in tropical and subtropical regions where raw materials are abundant.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $150 million USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database, International Trade Centre (ITC)
$45 million USD
30% of global trade of total trade
Increasing
$30 million USD
20% of global trade of total trade
Increasing
$18 million USD
12% of global trade of total trade
Stable
$15 million USD
10% of global trade of total trade
Stable
$10 million USD
7% of global trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain countries like India for protective measures)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements or for least developed countries under GSP schemes)
Rising demand for sustainable fashion
Increased exports from countries producing eco-friendly headgear, as consumers prioritize biodegradable and natural materials over synthetic alternatives.
2021-2023
Growth in artisanal and cultural product markets
Boost in trade for countries like Vietnam and the Philippines, where traditional hat-making is a cultural craft, driven by tourism and global appreciation for handmade goods.
2020-2022
Impact of fast fashion competition
Pressure on traditional headgear markets as mass-produced synthetic alternatives offer lower prices, affecting smaller exporters like Mexico.
2019-2023
The European Union introduced stricter sustainability and origin certification requirements for vegetable fiber products under the EU Green Deal framework, affecting exporters who must now comply with detailed documentation.
January 2023
Increased compliance costs for exporters from developing countries, potentially reducing trade volumes in the short term but encouraging sustainable production practices.
A renewed focus on tariff reductions for artisanal goods under bilateral trade discussions between Vietnam and the US has led to a surge in exports of traditional Vietnamese straw hats.
March 2022
Strengthened Vietnam's position as a leading exporter, with a projected 15% increase in trade volume for this category in 2023.
Post-COVID supply chain issues and rising shipping costs have impacted the trade of vegetable fiber headgear, particularly for smaller exporters reliant on just-in-time delivery to fashion markets.
Late 2021 - Mid 2022
Temporary decline in trade volumes for countries like Bangladesh and the Philippines, though recovery is expected with stabilization of logistics in 2023.