HS Code:
The Trousers and Breeches category (HS Code: 6203 for men's or boys' trousers, breeches and shorts, and 6204 for women's or girls' trousers, breeches and shorts, excluding knitted or crocheted) includes a wide range of lower-body apparel made from woven fabrics. This category covers casual, formal, and sportswear trousers, breeches, and shorts, representing a significant segment of the global apparel market. Products in this category are manufactured using materials like cotton, denim, wool, and synthetic fibers, catering to diverse consumer preferences and fashion trends. The trade of trousers and breeches is influenced by factors such as labor costs, raw material availability, fashion trends, and trade agreements.
Total Trade Volume
USD 90.5 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 32.1 billion
35.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 10.8 billion
11.9% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 8.3 billion
9.2% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 5.6 billion
6.2% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 4.9 billion
5.4% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
12.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
35% (imposed by certain countries on non-preferential trade partners)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as EU-Vietnam FTA or USMCA)
Rise of sustainable and ethical fashion
Increased demand for trousers made from organic cotton and recycled materials, pushing manufacturers to adopt eco-friendly practices.
2021-2023
Growth in athleisure wear
Higher demand for casual and sporty trousers and shorts, benefiting countries with strong manufacturing capabilities in synthetic fabrics.
2020-2022
Shift to e-commerce platforms
Expanded market access for exporters through online retail, reducing dependency on traditional supply chains and increasing direct-to-consumer sales.
2019-2023
The EVFTA, implemented in 2020, has progressively reduced tariffs on Vietnamese apparel exports to the EU, boosting Vietnam's market share in the trousers and breeches category.
August 2020
Increased export volume from Vietnam to EU countries by approximately 15% annually.
Ongoing trade disputes have led to additional tariffs on Chinese apparel exports to the US, prompting buyers to diversify sourcing to countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam.
2019-2023
Reduced Chinese dominance in the US market, with a shift of USD 5 billion in trade to other Asian countries.
The EU introduced stricter regulations under the European Green Deal, mandating transparency in supply chains and sustainable material usage for apparel imports.
March 2022
Increased production costs for exporters not meeting sustainability criteria, while benefiting compliant manufacturers with preferential access.