HS Code:
The 'Of textile material, except cotton' category under the Harmonized System (HS) Code generally encompasses a wide range of textile products made from materials other than cotton, such as synthetic fibers, wool, silk, and other natural or man-made fibers. This category includes items like clothing, fabrics, household textiles, and industrial textiles. These products are integral to global trade due to their widespread use in fashion, home decor, and various industrial applications. The category is highly competitive, with production often centered in countries with strong manufacturing capabilities and access to raw materials or low-cost labor.
Total Trade Volume
USD 150 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database & World Trade Organization (WTO)
USD 60 billion
40% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 20 billion
13.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 15 billion
10% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 10 billion
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 8 billion
5.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
12.5%
Highest Rate
30% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like the EU-Vietnam FTA)
Rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly textiles
Increased production of textiles made from recycled materials and organic fibers, influencing sourcing and manufacturing practices globally
2021-2022
Shift of production to Southeast Asia
Countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh are becoming major hubs due to lower labor costs and favorable trade agreements, reducing reliance on traditional exporters like China
2020-2022
Adoption of smart textiles
Growing use of textiles with embedded technology (e.g., wearable tech) is creating new market segments and driving innovation in synthetic fiber production
2022
The European Union introduced stricter regulations under the EU Textile Strategy, mandating sustainable production and traceability for textile imports starting in 2023.
March 2023
Exporters to the EU must adapt to higher compliance costs, potentially affecting smaller producers while favoring those already aligned with green practices.
Ongoing trade disputes have led to additional tariffs on Chinese textile exports to the US, prompting buyers to diversify sourcing to other countries like Vietnam and India.
January 2023
Redistribution of trade flows, with Southeast Asian countries gaining market share at the expense of Chinese exporters.
The EVFTA, effective since 2020, has progressively reduced tariffs on Vietnamese textile exports to the EU, enhancing competitiveness.
Ongoing since August 2020
Significant growth in Vietnam’s textile exports to the EU, positioning it as a key alternative to China in the region.