HS Code:
The Women's category (HS Code: 345) primarily includes women's clothing and apparel such as dresses, blouses, skirts, and other garments made from various materials like cotton, silk, and synthetic fibers. This category is a significant segment of the global textile and apparel industry, driven by fashion trends, seasonal demands, and cultural influences. It encompasses a wide range of products tailored for different demographics, styles, and purposes, including casual wear, formal wear, and sportswear. The trade of women's apparel is influenced by factors such as labor costs, raw material availability, and trade agreements between countries.
Total Trade Volume
USD 120 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 45 billion
37.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 20 billion
16.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 15 billion
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 10 billion
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 8 billion
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
12.5%
Highest Rate
35% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-USMCA)
Rise of sustainable fashion
Increased demand for eco-friendly and ethically produced women's apparel, pushing manufacturers to adopt sustainable practices and materials.
2021-2022
Growth of e-commerce
Significant shift towards online retail platforms for women's apparel, expanding market reach and changing traditional supply chains.
2020-2022
Fast fashion dominance
Continued growth of fast fashion brands due to affordability and rapid trend cycles, though facing criticism for environmental and labor issues.
2019-2022
The European Union introduced stricter environmental regulations under the Green Deal, affecting the import of women's apparel by enforcing sustainability standards on production processes.
March 2023
Increased production costs for exporters not meeting sustainability criteria, potentially shifting trade towards more compliant countries.
A new phase of trade negotiations between the US and China resulted in reduced tariffs on certain apparel categories, including women's clothing, to ease tensions and boost trade.
January 2023
Expected increase in Chinese apparel exports to the US, potentially affecting market shares of other exporting countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam.
Bangladesh announced investments in garment manufacturing infrastructure to increase production capacity, focusing on women's apparel for export markets.
June 2022
Strengthened position as a leading exporter, likely increasing competition with other low-cost manufacturing hubs.