HS Code:
The 'Shorts' category, typically classified under HS Code 6203.42 (for men's or boys' shorts of cotton) and 6204.62 (for women's or girls' shorts of cotton), among others, encompasses a wide range of casual and sportswear apparel items made from various materials such as cotton, denim, and synthetic fibers. Shorts are a staple in global apparel markets, driven by demand for casual wear, activewear, and seasonal clothing. This category is influenced by fashion trends, climate variations, and consumer preferences for comfort and versatility.
Total Trade Volume
USD 8.5 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 2.3 billion
27.1% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 1.2 billion
14.1% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 900 million
10.6% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 700 million
8.2% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 500 million
5.9% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
10.5%
Highest Rate
32% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Vietnam FTA or USMCA)
Rising Demand for Sustainable Materials
Increased use of organic cotton and recycled fabrics in shorts manufacturing due to consumer demand for eco-friendly products, influencing sourcing and production costs.
2021-2023
Growth in Athleisure Wear
A surge in demand for athletic and hybrid shorts as part of the athleisure trend, boosting exports from countries with strong sportswear manufacturing bases like Vietnam and China.
2020-2022
E-commerce Expansion
Online retail platforms have expanded market access for shorts, enabling smaller exporters to reach global consumers and increasing trade volumes.
2019-2023
The EVFTA, fully implemented in 2020, has reduced tariffs on Vietnamese apparel exports, including shorts, to the EU, leading to a significant increase in Vietnam's market share.
August 2020 onwards
Vietnamese exports of shorts to the EU grew by 15% annually since the agreement, challenging competitors like Bangladesh and India.
Continued US tariffs on Chinese goods under Section 301 have impacted the trade of shorts, with some buyers shifting sourcing to countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam.
2019-2023
China's share in the US market for shorts dropped by 5% over the last three years, while alternative suppliers gained ground.
The EU introduced stricter sustainability regulations under the European Green Deal, mandating transparency in supply chains for apparel like shorts.
March 2022
Exporters are facing higher compliance costs, but those adopting sustainable practices are gaining competitive advantages in the EU market.