HS Code:
The Shirts category (HS Code: 6205 for men's or boys' shirts and 6206 for women's or girls' shirts, often grouped under broader textile categories like 6203-6206) includes woven or knitted shirts made from various materials such as cotton, polyester, and blends. This category covers both casual and formal shirts but excludes t-shirts and other knitwear (HS Code 6109). Shirts are a significant segment of the global apparel market, driven by fashion trends, seasonal demand, and the growth of fast fashion. Production is often concentrated in countries with low labor costs, while consumption is widespread across developed and emerging markets.
Total Trade Volume
USD 28.5 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 9.8 billion
34.4% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 4.2 billion
14.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 3.5 billion
12.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 2.1 billion
7.4% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 1.8 billion
6.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
12.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
32% (imposed by certain developing countries on non-preferential trade partners)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as EU-Vietnam FTA or USMCA)
Shift to sustainable materials
Increased demand for organic cotton and recycled polyester shirts, driven by consumer awareness and regulatory pressures in markets like the EU and US.
2021-2023
Growth of e-commerce
Online retail platforms have boosted global shirt sales, enabling smaller exporters to reach international markets directly.
2020-2023
Nearshoring in apparel production
Western countries are increasingly sourcing from nearby regions (e.g., Turkey for Europe, Mexico for the US) to reduce supply chain delays and costs.
2022-2023
The EVFTA, fully implemented in 2020, has reduced tariffs on Vietnamese apparel exports to the EU, boosting Vietnam's shirt exports significantly.
August 2020 - ongoing
Vietnam's market share in the EU has grown by 3% since 2020, challenging competitors like Bangladesh.
The US Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), enacted in 2022, bans imports of cotton products linked to Xinjiang, China, affecting shirt supply chains.
June 2022
Increased scrutiny on Chinese shirt exports; potential shift of production to other countries like India and Bangladesh.
Bangladesh is set to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2026, which may result in the loss of preferential tariff access in key markets.
Projected 2026
Potential reduction in competitiveness compared to other LDC exporters unless new trade agreements are negotiated.