HS Code:
The Trousers (348) category, classified under the Harmonized System (HS) Code 6203 (for men's or boys' trousers) and 6204 (for women's or girls' trousers), encompasses a wide range of apparel including casual, formal, and sportswear trousers made from various materials such as cotton, denim, wool, and synthetic fibers. This category is a significant segment of the global apparel market, driven by fashion trends, seasonal demand, and the growth of fast fashion. It includes products like jeans, chinos, leggings, and tailored trousers, catering to diverse consumer preferences across demographics.
Total Trade Volume
USD 90 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database & International Trade Centre (ITC)
USD 30 billion
33.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 15 billion
16.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 10 billion
11.1% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 8 billion
8.9% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 5 billion
5.6% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
12% ad valorem
Highest Rate
25% (imposed by certain countries on non-preferential trade partners)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Vietnam FTA or USMCA)
Rise of Sustainable Fashion
Increased demand for eco-friendly trousers made from organic cotton or recycled materials, pushing manufacturers to adopt sustainable practices.
2021-2023
Growth of E-commerce
Online retail platforms have boosted global accessibility to trouser brands, significantly increasing trade volumes, especially for fast fashion.
2020-2022
Shift to Casual and Athleisure Wear
Post-pandemic consumer preference for comfortable clothing has driven demand for leggings, joggers, and casual trousers over formal wear.
2020-2023
The European Union introduced new regulations under the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles, requiring apparel imports, including trousers, to meet stricter environmental and labor standards.
March 2023
Increased compliance costs for exporters from developing countries, potentially affecting trade volumes to the EU market.
Ongoing trade disputes have led to additional tariffs on Chinese apparel exports to the US, prompting a shift in sourcing to countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh.
January 2022
Diversification of supply chains, with reduced reliance on China for trouser imports to the US.
Bangladesh has invested heavily in its garment industry, improving infrastructure and compliance with international standards, boosting its trouser export capacity.
Mid-2022
Strengthened position as a leading exporter, challenging competitors like China in price and volume.