HS Code:
The Trousers and Breeches category (often classified under HS Code 6203 for men's or boys' trousers, breeches, and shorts, and HS Code 6204 for women's or girls' equivalents) includes a wide range of lower-body garments made from various materials such as cotton, denim, wool, and synthetic fibers. This category covers both casual and formal wear, including jeans, chinos, cargo pants, and tailored trousers. It is a significant segment of the global apparel market, driven by fashion trends, seasonal demand, and the growth of fast fashion industries. The trade of trousers and breeches is influenced by factors such as labor costs, raw material availability, and trade agreements between exporting and importing countries.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $60 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and International Trade Centre (ITC)
$18.5 billion USD
30.8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$8.2 billion USD
13.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$6.5 billion USD
10.8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$3.8 billion USD
6.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$3.2 billion USD
5.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
12% ad valorem
Highest Rate
Up to 25% (applied by certain countries on non-preferential imports)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Vietnam FTA or USMCA)
Rise of Sustainable Fashion
Increased demand for eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled fabrics, pushing manufacturers to adopt greener practices. This has led to higher production costs but also opened new niche markets.
2021-2023
Growth of E-commerce
Online retail platforms have boosted global trade by connecting manufacturers directly with consumers, reducing dependency on traditional retail channels and increasing market access for smaller exporters.
2020-2023
Shift to Athleisure Wear
The popularity of casual and comfortable clothing, including stretchable trousers and joggers, has driven demand in this category, especially post-COVID-19 as remote work persists.
2020-2023
The European Union introduced new regulations under the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles, mandating stricter environmental and labor standards for imported trousers and breeches.
March 2023
Exporters from developing countries may face higher compliance costs, potentially reducing competitiveness unless they adapt to sustainable practices.
A temporary reduction in tariffs on Chinese apparel imports to the US was announced as part of broader trade negotiations, benefiting the trousers and breeches category.
September 2023
This development is expected to increase Chinese exports to the US, potentially affecting market shares of other exporters like Bangladesh and Vietnam.
Vietnam's participation in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) has led to reduced tariffs on its apparel exports to member countries like Canada and Australia.
Ongoing since 2018, notable impact in 2022-2023
Vietnam's trade volume in trousers and breeches has surged, strengthening its position as a top exporter.