HS Code:
The 'Unbleached, not mercerized (300)' category, typically falling under HS Code related to woven fabrics of cotton or other textile materials (e.g., HS 5208 or similar), includes raw or unprocessed fabrics that have not undergone bleaching or mercerization processes. These fabrics are often used as base materials in various industries, including apparel, home textiles, and industrial applications. This category is significant in global trade due to its role as a primary input in textile manufacturing, particularly in regions with strong textile industries. The unbleached and non-mercerized nature implies a focus on cost-effective, natural-state materials that may undergo further processing in importing countries.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $2.5 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and World Trade Organization (WTO) Statistics
$800 million USD
32% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$600 million USD
24% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$400 million USD
16% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$300 million USD
12% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$200 million USD
8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
8.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (imposed by certain protective markets like the European Union on non-preferential origins)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements or preferential trade schemes like GSP for developing countries)
Rising demand for sustainable and organic textiles
Increased preference for unbleached fabrics as they are perceived as more environmentally friendly, driving demand in markets like Europe and North America.
2021-2022
Shift in production to low-cost countries
Countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam are gaining market share due to lower labor costs, impacting traditional exporters like China.
2020-2022
Technological advancements in textile processing
Improved weaving and finishing technologies are reducing the cost of unbleached fabrics, making them more competitive against processed alternatives.
2019-2022
The European Union introduced new regulations under the EU Textile Strategy, requiring unbleached fabric imports to meet specific sustainability criteria, including reduced water and chemical usage in production.
March 2023
This may increase compliance costs for exporters from developing countries but also opens opportunities for those already aligned with sustainable practices.
A revised trade agreement between the US and China reduced tariffs on certain textile categories, including unbleached fabrics, as part of a broader de-escalation of trade tensions.
January 2023
This has boosted Chinese exports to the US, potentially affecting market shares of other exporters like India and Pakistan.
India rolled out a new Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to boost textile exports, including unbleached fabrics, targeting a significant increase in global market share.
September 2022
This initiative is expected to enhance Indiaโs competitiveness, potentially leading to higher trade volumes and lower prices for buyers.