HS Code:
The category 'Visors, and other headgear of cotton which provides no covering for the crown of the head (359)' falls under the Harmonized System (HS) Code likely within the 6505 or 6506 series, which pertains to headgear and parts thereof. This specific category includes cotton-based headgear such as visors, headbands, and similar items that do not cover the top of the head. These products are primarily used for sun protection, sports, or fashion purposes. They are lightweight, often adjustable, and popular in casual and athletic wear markets globally. The trade of such products is influenced by seasonal demand, fashion trends, and the growing athleisure market.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $250 million USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database & International Trade Centre (ITC)
$100 million USD
40% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$40 million USD
16% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$30 million USD
12% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$25 million USD
10% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$20 million USD
8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
7.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain countries like the European Union on non-preferential imports)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as USMCA or EU-Vietnam FTA)
Rising demand for sustainable materials
Increased preference for organic cotton visors and headgear, pushing manufacturers to adopt eco-friendly practices, which may raise production costs but attract environmentally conscious consumers.
2021-2022
Growth in athleisure wear
The global rise in fitness and outdoor activities has boosted demand for sports visors and headbands, particularly in North America and Europe, driving export growth from manufacturing hubs like Vietnam and China.
2020-2022
Customization and branding
Increased demand for personalized and branded headgear for promotional purposes and team sports, benefiting exporters who can offer flexible manufacturing solutions.
2019-2022
The European Union introduced new regulations requiring detailed labeling of material composition and proof of ethical sourcing for cotton-based headgear, aiming to combat forced labor in supply chains.
June 2023
Exporters from countries like Bangladesh and India may face higher compliance costs, potentially affecting their competitiveness in the EU market.
A revised trade agreement reduced tariffs on certain cotton headgear categories exported from China to the US, as part of broader negotiations to balance trade deficits.
March 2023
This is expected to increase Chinese exports of visors and headbands to the US, potentially displacing smaller exporters from other countries.
Vietnam has seen a surge in foreign investment in textile and headgear manufacturing, supported by favorable trade agreements like the CPTPP and EVFTA, enhancing its export capacity.
January 2023
Strengthens Vietnam’s position as a top exporter, likely increasing competition for traditional leaders like China in the visor and headgear market.