HS Code:
This category, subject to the quantitative limits specified in U.S. note 12(b) to this subchapter, typically pertains to specific textile or apparel products under the Harmonized System (HS) code framework. These products are subject to import quotas and other trade restrictions as outlined by U.S. trade policies, often to protect domestic industries or comply with international trade agreements. The category may include items such as cotton or man-made fiber apparel, subject to specific limits on the volume that can be imported into the United States annually. These limits are often negotiated through bilateral or multilateral trade agreements.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $15.3 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) and World Trade Organization (WTO) data
$6.2 billion USD
40.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$3.1 billion USD
20.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$1.8 billion USD
11.8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$1.5 billion USD
9.8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$0.9 billion USD
5.9% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
12.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
32% for certain apparel categories
Lowest Rate
0% under specific trade agreements (e.g., USMCA)
Shift to nearshoring
Increased imports from Mexico and Central American countries due to proximity and trade agreements like USMCA, reducing reliance on Asian suppliers.
2021-2022
Sustainability focus
Growing demand for eco-friendly and ethically sourced textiles, influencing supplier selection and increasing costs for non-compliant exporters.
2020-2022
Supply chain disruptions
Global shipping delays and raw material shortages have led to volatility in trade volumes and higher prices for imported goods in this category.
2021-2022
The U.S. extended certain tariff exemptions for textile products under the Phase One Trade Agreement, but maintained strict quotas on specific apparel categories.
March 2023
Temporary relief for importers, but long-term uncertainty persists regarding quota limits.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection introduced a digital tracking system for imports under quantitative limits to ensure compliance with U.S. note 12(b).
January 2023
Increased transparency but potential delays for non-compliant shipments.
Vietnam signed new trade pacts with the U.S. to increase textile export quotas, positioning it as a key alternative to China amidst ongoing trade tensions.
October 2022
Expected rise in Vietnam’s market share in this category over the next 2-3 years.