HS Code:
The 'Valued not over $31.50 per dozen pieces' category typically falls under various Harmonized System (HS) codes depending on the specific product, often related to apparel, accessories, or other consumer goods. This category generally includes low to mid-value items traded in bulk, such as clothing, headwear, or household articles. These products are often subject to specific tariffs and trade regulations due to their price point and mass-market appeal. Trade in this category is heavily influenced by cost-driven manufacturing in developing countries and consumer demand in developed markets.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $12.5 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database & World Trade Organization (WTO)
$5.2 billion USD
41.6% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$1.8 billion USD
14.4% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$1.5 billion USD
12.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$1.0 billion USD
8.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$0.8 billion USD
6.4% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
12.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
32% (imposed by certain countries on specific textile products)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA or EU-Vietnam FTA)
Shift to sustainable materials
Increased demand for eco-friendly and ethically sourced products in this price range, pushing manufacturers to adopt greener practices despite cost constraints.
2021-2022
Rise of e-commerce
Significant growth in online sales of low to mid-value goods, leading to higher direct-to-consumer imports and changing logistics patterns.
2020-2022
Nearshoring in supply chains
Manufacturers are moving production closer to key markets (e.g., Mexico for the U.S.) to reduce shipping costs and mitigate trade war risks.
2022
Phase One trade deal revisions have led to reduced tariffs on certain low-value goods under this category, boosting imports from China to the U.S.
January 2023
Expected to increase trade volume by 5-7% for Chinese exporters in 2023.
New EU regulations mandate stricter sustainability and transparency standards for low-cost apparel, affecting exporters from developing countries.
March 2023
Potential cost increases for non-compliant suppliers, possibly reducing market share for smaller exporters.
Bangladesh implemented new labor laws to improve worker conditions in garment factories, a key sector for this category.
July 2022
Slight increase in production costs but improved market perception in Western countries, potentially boosting exports.