HS Code:
This category includes T-shirts, other than underwear, classified under Harmonized System (HS) subheadings 6109.10.00 (of cotton) and 6109.90.10 (of other textile materials), made in one or more countries from fabric formed in one or more such countries from yarns wholly formed in the United States. These products are subject to specific provisions under U.S. note 2(c) to the relevant subchapter, often tied to trade agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) or other regional trade pacts that promote the use of U.S.-origin yarns. The classification emphasizes the importance of origin rules in determining tariff treatment and market access, ensuring that the supply chain aligns with specific trade policy objectives to support U.S. yarn producers while allowing manufacturing in partner countries.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $5.2 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) DataWeb
$1.8 billion USD
34.6% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$1.2 billion USD
23.1% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$0.8 billion USD
15.4% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$0.5 billion USD
9.6% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$0.3 billion USD
5.8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
16.5% ad valorem for non-preferential trade, reduced or duty-free under specific agreements
Highest Rate
32% ad valorem for countries without trade agreements with the U.S.
Lowest Rate
0% under USMCA or other free trade agreements for qualifying goods
Growing demand for sustainable and ethically produced apparel
Increased preference for T-shirts made under trade agreements that ensure traceability and labor standards, boosting demand for U.S. yarn-based products from partner countries
2021-2022
Shift toward nearshoring in Central America and Mexico
Reduced reliance on Asian manufacturing due to supply chain disruptions and U.S. trade policies, favoring countries like Mexico and Honduras for faster delivery and tariff benefits
2020-2022
Rising input costs for U.S. cotton and yarns
Higher production costs may affect competitiveness of T-shirts under this category compared to fully foreign-made alternatives, though tariff preferences mitigate some impact
2022
U.S. Customs and Border Protection intensified verification processes to ensure compliance with yarn-forward rules under USMCA, impacting T-shirt imports from Mexico and Canada.
March 2023
Increased scrutiny may delay shipments but ensures market fairness for compliant producers, reinforcing U.S. yarn industry support.
Honduras and El Salvador announced investments in textile manufacturing infrastructure to meet U.S. demand under trade agreements using U.S. yarns.
June 2022
Likely to increase trade volumes from these countries, strengthening regional supply chains tied to U.S. yarn production.
Discussions in the U.S. Congress regarding subsidies for cotton producers may influence yarn pricing and availability for T-shirt manufacturing under this HS category.
September 2023
Potential cost reductions for U.S. yarns could enhance competitiveness of T-shirts made under these provisions, boosting trade.