HS Code:
The Underwear category (often classified under HS Code 6107 for men's and boys' underwear and 6108 for women's and girls' underwear) includes a wide range of knitted or crocheted garments such as briefs, boxers, panties, and other intimate apparel. This category is a significant segment of the global textile and apparel industry, driven by consistent consumer demand for essential clothing items. Trade in this category is influenced by factors such as labor costs, raw material availability (primarily cotton and synthetic fibers), and fast fashion trends. The production is often concentrated in countries with low labor costs, while consumption is widespread across developed and developing markets.
Total Trade Volume
USD 15.8 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database, International Trade Centre (ITC)
USD 5.2 billion
32.9% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 1.8 billion
11.4% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 1.5 billion
9.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 1.2 billion
7.6% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 0.9 billion
5.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
12.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
32% (imposed by certain developing countries on imports to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-USMCA or within ASEAN)
Shift towards sustainable materials
Increased demand for organic cotton and recycled polyester underwear, pushing manufacturers to adopt eco-friendly practices, though at higher production costs.
2021-2023
Rise of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer brands
Growth in online sales channels has reduced reliance on traditional retail, benefiting smaller brands and impacting trade by increasing direct imports by consumers.
2020-2023
Nearshoring in response to supply chain disruptions
Western countries are sourcing from closer regions (e.g., Turkey for Europe, Mexico for the US) to reduce lead times and risks from global disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021-2023
The United States extended Section 301 tariffs on Chinese textile imports, including underwear, citing unfair trade practices. This has led to a shift in sourcing to other Asian countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh.
March 2023
Increased costs for US retailers and consumers, while boosting exports from alternative suppliers.
The European Union introduced stricter regulations under the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles, mandating transparency in supply chains and eco-design for underwear products.
April 2022
Higher compliance costs for exporters to the EU, but long-term benefits for sustainable brands and consumer trust.
Bangladesh announced new investments in textile manufacturing zones, enhancing its capacity to export underwear and other apparel under favorable trade agreements like the EU's Everything But Arms (EBA) initiative.
July 2023
Strengthens Bangladesh's position as a leading exporter, potentially challenging China's dominance in the category.