HS Code:
The T-shirts category, classified under HS Code 6109, includes knitted or crocheted T-shirts, singlets, and other vests. This category is a significant segment of the global apparel market, driven by casual wear demand, fashion trends, and the rise of athleisure. T-shirts are produced and traded worldwide, with manufacturing concentrated in low-cost labor countries and consumption in developed markets. The trade of T-shirts is influenced by factors such as labor costs, trade agreements, sustainability concerns, and fast fashion dynamics.
Total Trade Volume
USD 28.5 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 6.2 billion
21.8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 4.8 billion
16.8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 3.9 billion
13.7% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
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
Increasing
Average Rate
12.5%
Highest Rate
32% (applied by certain countries on non-preferential trade partners)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Vietnam FTA)
Shift to Sustainable Materials
Increased demand for organic cotton and recycled polyester T-shirts, pushing manufacturers to adopt eco-friendly practices.
2021-2023
Rise of E-commerce
Growth in online sales platforms has boosted cross-border trade of T-shirts, favoring countries with strong logistics networks.
2020-2023
Nearshoring in Apparel Production
Brands are moving production closer to consumer markets (e.g., Turkey for Europe) to reduce lead times and shipping costs.
2022-2023
Continued tariffs on Chinese apparel exports to the US have led to a shift in sourcing to countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh.
Mid-2022
Reduced market share for China in the US, benefiting other exporters.
New regulations under the EU's sustainability framework require apparel, including T-shirts, to meet stricter environmental standards.
Early 2023
Increased production costs for non-compliant exporters, favoring those already adopting sustainable practices.
Bangladesh is set to lose preferential trade benefits as it graduates from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2026, impacting T-shirt exports.
Projected 2026
Potential increase in tariffs in key markets like the EU, prompting diversification of export destinations.