HS Code:
Slide fasteners and parts thereof, commonly known as zippers, fall under HS Code 9607. This category includes zippers of various materials (metal, plastic, etc.), as well as their components such as sliders, teeth, and tapes. These products are essential in industries like apparel, luggage, automotive, and furniture, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. Global trade in this category is driven by the demand for textiles and clothing, with significant production and consumption tied to fashion and manufacturing hubs.
Total Trade Volume
USD 3.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 1.1 billion
34.4% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 450 million
14.1% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 300 million
9.4% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 200 million
6.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 150 million
4.7% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
7.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Japan EPA)
Shift towards sustainable materials
Increased demand for eco-friendly zippers made from recycled plastics and biodegradable materials, influencing production in major exporting countries.
2021-2023
Automation in manufacturing
Reduced production costs and improved quality in countries like Japan and Taiwan, strengthening their competitive edge in high-end markets.
2020-2022
Rising demand in automotive sector
Growth in zipper use for car seat covers and interiors, boosting trade in regions with strong automotive industries like Germany and South Korea.
2019-2023
The European Union introduced provisional anti-dumping duties on slide fasteners from China to curb unfair pricing practices and protect local manufacturers.
March 2023
Potential shift in market share to other exporters like Taiwan and Japan, with a possible price increase for EU consumers.
YKK, a leading global zipper manufacturer from Japan, opened a new facility in Vietnam to meet growing demand in Southeast Asia and reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains.
July 2022
Increased supply capacity in the region, likely to lower costs for apparel manufacturers in Vietnam and neighboring countries.
Under the USMCA agreement, stricter rules of origin for textile products, including zippers, were implemented, requiring more components to be sourced within North America.
January 2023
Potential challenges for Asian exporters to the U.S. market, with opportunities for North American suppliers to gain market share.