HS Code:
The 'Weighing not more than 170 g/m² (620)' category, often associated with lightweight woven fabrics of cotton under HS Code 5208, includes fabrics used primarily in apparel and home textiles. These materials are typically used for shirts, dresses, and other lightweight garments due to their breathability and comfort. This category is a significant segment of the global textile trade, driven by demand in fashion and consumer goods industries. Trade in this category is influenced by factors such as raw material availability, labor costs, and trade policies in key producing and consuming regions.
Total Trade Volume
USD 5.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
Average Rate
8.5%
Highest Rate
20% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-GSP or USMCA)
Growing demand for sustainable fabrics
Increased preference for organic cotton and eco-friendly production processes, pushing exporters to adopt sustainable practices to remain competitive.
2021-2022
Shift in production to South Asia
Due to lower labor costs and favorable trade agreements, countries like India and Bangladesh are gaining market share over traditional exporters like China.
2020-2022
Impact of fast fashion
Rising demand for lightweight fabrics driven by fast fashion brands, though this also increases pressure on pricing and sustainability standards.
2019-2022
The European Union introduced stricter regulations on textile imports, mandating transparency in supply chains and sustainability certifications for cotton fabrics under 170 g/m².
June 2023
Exporters from developing countries may face higher compliance costs, potentially reducing competitiveness unless supported by government subsidies or certifications.
A revised trade agreement between the US and China reduced tariffs on certain textile categories, including lightweight cotton fabrics, to encourage balanced trade.
March 2023
Chinese exporters are likely to see a boost in market share in the US, potentially affecting competitors like India and Bangladesh.
India launched a new rebate scheme for textile exports, providing financial incentives for exporters of lightweight fabrics to major markets like the EU and US.
January 2023
This is expected to further increase India's trade volume in this category, strengthening its position as a top exporter.