HS Code:
The category of trousers, breeches, and shorts (HS Code: 6203 for men's or boys' and 6204 for women's or girls') includes a wide range of lower-body garments made from various materials such as cotton, denim, wool, and synthetic fibers. This category covers both casual and formal wear, including jeans, cargo pants, tailored trousers, and athletic shorts. It is a significant segment of the global apparel industry, driven by fashion trends, seasonal demand, and the growing popularity of casual and athleisure wear. Trade in this category is influenced by factors such as labor costs, raw material availability, and trade agreements.
Total Trade Volume
USD 60 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 20 billion
33.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 10 billion
16.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 8 billion
13.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 5 billion
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 3 billion
5.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
12%
Highest Rate
30% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Vietnam FTA)
Rise in demand for sustainable and ethical fashion
Increased production of trousers and shorts using organic cotton and recycled materials, with brands emphasizing transparency in supply chains.
2021-2023
Growth of athleisure wear
Boost in exports of athletic shorts and performance trousers due to consumer preference for versatile and comfortable clothing.
2020-2022
Shift to e-commerce platforms
Smaller exporters and brands gaining access to global markets, impacting traditional trade channels and increasing direct-to-consumer sales.
2019-2023
The US reduced tariffs on certain apparel categories, including trousers, as part of Phase One trade deal negotiations with China, benefiting Chinese exporters.
January 2023
Increased export volume from China to the US, potentially affecting market share of other exporting countries.
The European Union introduced stricter regulations on textile imports, mandating compliance with environmental and labor standards for trousers and shorts.
March 2023
Higher compliance costs for exporters, particularly in developing countries, but improved market access for sustainable producers.
Bangladesh announced investments in garment manufacturing infrastructure to boost production capacity for trousers and shorts, targeting EU and US markets.
June 2023
Potential increase in Bangladesh's market share, intensifying competition with other exporters like Vietnam and India.