HS Code:
Knit to shape articles under HS Code 6117 (as referenced in statistical note 6 to Chapter 61) include specific knitted or crocheted articles that are shaped during the knitting process rather than cut and sewn from fabric. These articles often include items like gloves, mittens, scarves, and other accessories or garment parts that are produced in their final shape directly on knitting machines. This category is significant in the apparel and textile industry due to its labor-intensive production process and specialized manufacturing techniques.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $2.5 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and International Trade Centre (ITC)
$1.2 billion USD
48% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$300 million USD
12% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$250 million USD
10% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$200 million USD
8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$150 million USD
6% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
10.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
Up to 20% (applied by certain countries on non-preferential trade partners)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as EU-Vietnam FTA or USMCA)
Shift towards sustainable materials
Increased demand for knit to shape articles made from organic cotton and recycled fibers, influencing production costs and market prices.
2021-2022
Automation in knitting technology
Adoption of advanced knitting machines has reduced production time and costs, benefiting large-scale exporters like China and Vietnam.
2020-2022
Rising labor costs in traditional hubs
Higher wages in countries like China have led to a gradual shift of production to lower-cost regions such as Bangladesh and Vietnam.
2019-2022
The European Union introduced stricter sustainability and labeling requirements for knit to shape articles to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
June 2023
Exporters from developing countries may face higher compliance costs, potentially reducing their competitiveness in the EU market.
Negotiations under the Phase One trade deal have led to a temporary reduction in tariffs on certain knit to shape articles exported from China to the US.
March 2023
Chinese exporters have regained some market share in the US, though long-term stability remains uncertain.
Vietnam signed multiple free trade agreements, including the CPTPP and EVFTA, boosting its export capacity for knit to shape articles.
January 2023
Increased market access and tariff reductions have positioned Vietnam as a key competitor to traditional exporters like China.