HS Code:
The 'Other baskets and bags, whether or not lined' category (HS Code: 460219) includes a variety of woven or plaited products made from vegetable materials (excluding bamboo and rattan, which have separate classifications). These products are often used for storage, decoration, or carrying goods and encompass items such as straw bags, wicker baskets, and other similar handmade or artisanal products. This category is significant in global trade due to its association with traditional craftsmanship and sustainable materials, often sourced from rural and agricultural communities.
Total Trade Volume
USD 250 million
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
Average Rate
8.5%
Highest Rate
25% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local artisans)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-ASEAN or USMCA for qualifying goods)
Rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products
Increased exports from countries with abundant natural resources and traditional weaving skills, such as Vietnam and Indonesia
2021-2022
Growth in e-commerce platforms for artisanal goods
Small-scale producers in countries like India and Bangladesh gain access to global markets, boosting trade volumes
2020-2022
Shift towards premium, designer-crafted baskets and bags
Higher profit margins for exporters in China and Vietnam catering to luxury markets in Europe and North America
2019-2022
The European Union introduced stricter sustainability and sourcing regulations under the Green Deal, requiring exporters of baskets and bags to provide detailed documentation on material origins and environmental impact.
March 2023
Increased compliance costs for exporters from developing countries, but also potential for premium pricing for certified sustainable products.
Vietnam signed an expanded trade agreement with the US, reducing tariffs on artisanal goods, including baskets and bags made from vegetable materials.
July 2022
Boosted Vietnam’s export volume to the US by an estimated 15% in 2023, strengthening its position as a top exporter.
Post-COVID supply chain issues and rising shipping costs affected the export of baskets and bags from Asia to Europe and North America, leading to temporary shortages.
Late 2021 - Early 2022
Increased prices for consumers and a push towards regional sourcing in markets like the EU.