HS Code:
Plastic rainwear, including jackets, coats, ponchos, parkas, and slickers, with an outer shell made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, with or without attached hoods, valued at not over $10 per unit, falls under HS Code 3926.20. This category encompasses affordable, lightweight protective clothing primarily used for weather protection. These products are widely utilized in various climates for personal and industrial purposes due to their cost-effectiveness and water-resistant properties. They are often imported in bulk by retailers and distributors in both developed and developing markets.
Total Trade Volume
USD 250 million
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
Average Rate
6.5%
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain South American countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA and EU-Vietnam FTA)
Shift towards sustainable materials
Growing consumer and regulatory pressure for eco-friendly alternatives to PVC is reducing demand for traditional plastic rainwear, pushing manufacturers to explore biodegradable options.
2021-2023
Increase in e-commerce sales
The rise of online retail platforms has boosted accessibility and sales of low-cost rainwear, especially in developing markets with high seasonal demand.
2020-2022
Regional production shifts
Manufacturers are moving production from China to Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Indonesia due to lower labor costs and favorable trade agreements.
2019-2023
The European Union introduced new regulations limiting the use of certain chemical additives in PVC products, including rainwear, to reduce environmental and health risks.
June 2023
Manufacturers exporting to the EU must adapt production processes, potentially increasing costs and reducing competitiveness of PVC rainwear.
The United States renewed anti-dumping duties on Chinese plastic rainwear imports to protect domestic manufacturers, citing unfair pricing practices.
March 2023
This has led to a shift in import sourcing towards Vietnam and Bangladesh, benefiting exporters from these countries.
The EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) reduced tariffs on Vietnamese rainwear exports to 0%, enhancing market access.
August 2022
Vietnamese exporters have gained a competitive edge in the European market, contributing to a rise in trade volume.