HS Code:
The category 'Other gloves, mittens and mitts, specially designed for use in sports, including ski and snowmobile gloves, mittens and mitts' (HS Code: 6116.93 or 4203.21, depending on material) encompasses protective handwear specifically engineered for sports activities, particularly winter sports like skiing and snowmobiling. These products are designed to provide insulation, grip, and protection against harsh weather conditions, often using advanced materials like synthetic fibers, leather, or Gore-Tex. This category is distinct from general-purpose gloves due to its specialized design for athletic performance and safety.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $1.2 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and International Trade Centre (ITC)
$450 million USD
37.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$200 million USD
16.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$120 million USD
10.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$100 million USD
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$80 million USD
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
8.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Canada CETA or USMCA)
Growing demand for sustainable materials
Manufacturers are increasingly using recycled fabrics and eco-friendly coatings, driven by consumer preference and regulatory pressures in markets like the EU, leading to higher production costs but improved brand loyalty.
2021-2023
Rise in winter sports participation
Increased participation in skiing and snowboarding, particularly in North America and Europe, has boosted demand for high-performance gloves, contributing to a 5% annual growth in trade volume.
2020-2022
Shift of manufacturing to Southeast Asia
Lower labor costs in countries like Vietnam and Cambodia have led to a shift in production from traditional hubs like China, affecting global supply chains and pricing structures.
2019-2023
The European Union introduced stricter regulations on the use of PFAS (forever chemicals) in waterproof sports gloves, requiring manufacturers to adopt alternative materials.
March 2023
This has increased production costs for exporters to the EU market but also opened opportunities for eco-friendly product innovation.
Ongoing trade disputes have led to additional tariffs on Chinese-made sports gloves entering the US market, prompting buyers to source from alternative countries like Vietnam.
January 2022
This has diversified supply chains but caused price volatility for US consumers.
New heated glove technologies and touchscreen-compatible materials have gained traction, particularly for ski and snowmobile gloves, enhancing user experience.
October 2022
This has driven demand for premium products, increasing market value despite stable unit volumes.