HS Code:
The Towels category, classified under HS Code 6302 (which includes bed linen, table linen, toilet linen, and kitchen linen, with towels often falling under subcategories like 6302.60 for toilet linen and kitchen linen of cotton), represents a significant segment of the global textile trade. This category includes a variety of products such as bath towels, hand towels, beach towels, and kitchen towels, made from materials like cotton, microfiber, and bamboo. Towels are essential household and hospitality items, with demand driven by consumer preferences for quality, absorbency, and sustainability. The global trade of towels is influenced by factors such as raw material availability, labor costs, and trade agreements.
Total Trade Volume
USD 5.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database, International Trade Centre (ITC)
Average Rate
8.5%
Highest Rate
20% (imposed by certain countries on non-preferential trade partners)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-India FTA for specific partners)
Rising demand for eco-friendly towels
Increased market share for organic cotton and bamboo towels due to consumer focus on sustainability.
2021-2023
Growth in hospitality sector
Higher demand for bulk towel purchases from hotels and resorts, especially in tourism-driven economies.
2022-2023
Shift to e-commerce platforms
Direct-to-consumer sales of towels have surged, benefiting manufacturers with strong online presence.
2020-2023
The European Union introduced stricter regulations on textile imports, mandating eco-labeling and sustainable sourcing for towels.
January 2023
Increased production costs for exporters but improved market access for compliant manufacturers.
Phase 1 of the US-China trade agreement reduced tariffs on certain textile categories, including towels, boosting Chinese exports to the US.
February 2022
Strengthened China's dominance in the US towel market, impacting competitors like India and Pakistan.
India launched incentives under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to boost textile exports, including towels.
September 2021
Enhanced competitiveness of Indian towel exporters in global markets, especially in Europe and North America.