HS Code:
The Underpants and Briefs category (HS Code: 6107.11 for men's and boys', and 6108.21 for women's and girls', made of cotton, knitted or crocheted) includes a wide range of undergarments primarily designed for daily wear. This category encompasses various styles, sizes, and materials, catering to different demographics and preferences globally. It is a significant segment of the apparel industry, driven by consistent demand due to the essential nature of the product. Trade in this category is influenced by factors such as labor costs, raw material availability (primarily cotton), and consumer preferences for comfort, sustainability, and brand value.
Total Trade Volume
USD 10.5 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 3.8 billion
36.2% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 1.5 billion
14.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 1.2 billion
11.4% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 800 million
7.6% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 600 million
5.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
12.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
25% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Vietnam FTA or USMCA)
Shift towards sustainable materials
Increased demand for organic cotton and recycled fabrics, pushing manufacturers to adopt eco-friendly practices, though at higher production costs.
2021-2022
Growth in e-commerce sales
Direct-to-consumer brands are gaining market share, reducing reliance on traditional retail channels and increasing competition among exporters.
2020-2022
Rising labor costs in key exporting countries
Countries like China are seeing a shift to higher-value products, while lower-cost producers like Bangladesh and Vietnam gain market share.
2019-2022
The EVFTA, fully implemented in 2020, has reduced tariffs on Vietnamese textile exports, including underpants and briefs, to the EU, boosting Vietnam's market share.
August 2020 onwards
Increased exports from Vietnam to the EU by approximately 15% annually, challenging competitors like China.
Continued tariffs imposed by the US on Chinese apparel, including undergarments, have led to a diversification of sourcing to countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam.
2019-2022
Reduction in China's share of US imports by 5% since 2019, with gains for other Southeast Asian exporters.
The EU introduced stricter regulations under the European Green Deal, mandating transparency in supply chains and sustainable material usage for apparel imports.
January 2022
Increased compliance costs for exporters, but also a growing market for certified sustainable undergarments in Europe.