HS Code:
Poplin or broadcloth (HS Code: 5208.52) refers to a category of woven cotton fabric, typically plain-woven, that is lightweight, smooth, and often used for shirts, dresses, and other apparel. Poplin is known for its fine crosswise ribbing due to the use of finer warp yarns compared to weft yarns, while broadcloth is a denser, finer version often used for formal wear. This category falls under woven fabrics of cotton, containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, weighing not more than 200 g/mยฒ, and printed. It is widely traded globally due to its versatility in the textile and garment industry.
Total Trade Volume
USD 1.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 450 million
37.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 300 million
25.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 150 million
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 100 million
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 80 million
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
8.5%
Highest Rate
25% (imposed by certain African countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-India FTA for specific partners)
Rising demand for sustainable fabrics
Increased focus on organic cotton poplin and eco-friendly production processes, driving up costs but also opening premium markets in Europe and North America.
2021-2023
Shift toward fast fashion supply chains
Higher demand for low-cost poplin from countries like Bangladesh and India, though quality concerns may affect long-term contracts.
2020-2022
Digital printing technology adoption
Enhanced customization and shorter lead times for printed poplin fabrics, benefiting exporters with advanced technology like China and Turkey.
2022-2023
The European Union introduced new regulations requiring textile imports, including poplin, to meet specific environmental and labor standards under the EU Textile Strategy.
March 2023
Exporters from developing countries may face higher compliance costs, potentially reducing competitiveness unless they adapt quickly.
A revised trade agreement between the US and China reduced tariffs on certain textile categories, including poplin, as part of broader negotiations.
January 2023
Chinese exporters gained better access to the US market, potentially increasing their trade volume share.
India announced a new incentive scheme under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) for textiles, targeting increased exports of cotton-based fabrics like poplin.
September 2022
Indian exporters are expected to boost production and capture a larger share of the global market, especially in the EU and US.