HS Code:
The 'Trousers, breeches and shorts imported as parts of suits (347)' category falls under the broader Harmonized System (HS) classification for apparel and clothing accessories. This category specifically includes trousers, breeches, and shorts that are imported as components of suits, typically made of woven textile fabrics. These items are often traded separately from jackets or other suit components but are intended to be paired as part of a complete suit ensemble. This category is significant in global trade due to the high demand for formal and business attire across various markets, with production often concentrated in countries with strong textile industries.
Total Trade Volume
USD 2.5 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 600 million
24% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 500 million
20% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 400 million
16% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 300 million
12% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 200 million
8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
12.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
25% (applied by certain developing markets for protection of domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as EU-Vietnam FTA or USMCA)
Shift towards sustainable fabrics
Increasing demand for trousers and suit components made from organic cotton and recycled materials, pushing exporters to adopt eco-friendly practices.
2021-2022
Growth in e-commerce sales channels
Direct-to-consumer models and online platforms have boosted trade volumes, especially for customized suit components, benefiting exporters with strong digital presence.
2020-2022
Rising production costs in traditional hubs
Increasing labor and raw material costs in countries like China are shifting production to lower-cost regions such as Bangladesh and Vietnam.
2019-2022
The EVFTA, implemented in 2020, has reduced tariffs on Vietnamese apparel exports to the EU, significantly boosting Vietnam's market share for trousers and suit components.
August 2020
Increased exports from Vietnam by approximately 15% year-on-year, reshaping trade patterns in the EU market.
Ongoing trade tensions between the US and China have led to additional tariffs on Chinese apparel, including suit components, prompting buyers to source from alternative countries like Bangladesh and Turkey.
September 2019 - Ongoing
Diversification of supply chains away from China, with a noticeable uptick in orders for other Asian and European exporters.
With the return to office environments and formal events in 2022, demand for suits and related components like trousers has surged, reversing the decline seen during the pandemic.
Mid-2022
Trade volumes have increased by 10-12% globally as retailers restock inventories and consumers resume purchasing formal attire.