HS Code:
The Women's (438) category, likely referring to women's clothing or apparel under the Harmonized System (HS) Code, encompasses a wide range of products such as dresses, skirts, blouses, and other garments specifically designed for women. This category is a significant segment of the global textile and apparel industry, driven by fashion trends, seasonal demand, and cultural preferences. It includes both mass-produced and high-end designer items, catering to diverse consumer bases across the world. Trade in this category is influenced by factors such as labor costs, raw material availability, and trade agreements.
Total Trade Volume
USD 150 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database & World Trade Organization (WTO)
USD 45 billion
30% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 20 billion
13.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 15 billion
10% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 10 billion
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 8 billion
5.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
12.5%
Highest Rate
35% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like the EU Single Market or USMCA)
Rise of Sustainable Fashion
Increased demand for eco-friendly and ethically produced women's apparel, pushing manufacturers to adopt sustainable practices and materials like organic cotton and recycled fabrics.
2021-2023
Growth of E-commerce
Significant shift towards online retail platforms for women's clothing, enabling smaller brands to access global markets and increasing competition.
2020-2023
Fast Fashion Dominance
Continued dominance of fast fashion brands due to low-cost production and rapid trend turnover, although facing criticism for environmental and labor issues.
2018-2023
The European Union introduced stricter regulations on textile imports, mandating transparency in supply chains and sustainable production practices for women's apparel.
June 2023
Exporters to the EU, especially from developing countries, may face higher compliance costs, potentially reshaping trade flows.
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.
March 2023
Increased exports from China to the US, potentially affecting other exporting countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam.
Bangladesh reported a 15% year-on-year increase in women's apparel exports, driven by competitive pricing and improved labor conditions.
August 2023
Solidifies Bangladesh's position as a key player in the global market, challenging other exporters.