HS Code:
Recreational performance outerwear (HS Code: 6211.20 - typically includes ski suits and similar garments designed for sports and outdoor activities) encompasses specialized clothing designed for activities such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and other outdoor recreational pursuits. These products are engineered for durability, weather resistance, and thermal insulation, often using advanced materials like Gore-Tex or synthetic fibers. This category is distinct from general apparel due to its focus on performance and functionality, catering to a niche but growing market of outdoor enthusiasts.
Total Trade Volume
USD 2.5 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database & World Trade Organization (WTO) Statistics
Average Rate
12.5%
Highest Rate
35% (imposed by certain developing countries on imports to protect local textile industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as EU-USMCA or within ASEAN)
Rising demand for sustainable materials
Increased production of outerwear using recycled fabrics and eco-friendly coatings, driven by consumer preference for sustainable products; brands face higher costs but gain market share among environmentally conscious buyers.
2021-2023
Growth in outdoor recreation post-COVID
Surge in demand for performance outerwear as more individuals engage in outdoor activities for health and leisure, boosting trade volumes especially in North America and Europe.
2020-2022
Shift of manufacturing to Southeast Asia
Lower labor costs and improving supply chain infrastructure in countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh have led to a shift away from traditional hubs like China, affecting global trade patterns.
2019-2023
The European Union introduced stricter eco-design requirements for performance outerwear, mandating the use of sustainable materials and transparency in supply chains.
March 2023
Manufacturers exporting to the EU must adapt to higher compliance costs, potentially increasing prices but also opening opportunities for eco-friendly brands.
A revised trade agreement reduced tariffs on recreational outerwear from China to the US, easing tensions and boosting imports.
January 2023
Increased trade volume from China to the US, benefiting American retailers and consumers with lower prices but pressuring domestic producers.
The EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) eliminated tariffs on performance outerwear, strengthening Vietnam's position as a key exporter.
August 2022
Significant growth in Vietnam’s export share to Europe, challenging other exporters like China and creating competitive pricing in the EU market.