HS Code:
The Women's category (likely referring to HS Code 62 or 61, covering women's clothing such as dresses, skirts, blouses, and knitted apparel) encompasses a wide range of apparel and textile products specifically designed for women. This category is a significant segment of the global textile and clothing industry, driven by fashion trends, seasonal demand, and cultural preferences. It includes both mass-produced and high-end designer garments, with production often concentrated in countries with low labor costs and established textile industries.
Total Trade Volume
USD 120 billion
Data from 2022
Source
World Trade Organization (WTO) and UN Comtrade Database
USD 45 billion
37.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 18 billion
15.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 12 billion
10.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 8 billion
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 6 billion
5.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
12.5%
Highest Rate
35% (applied by some developing countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-USMCA or RCEP)
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
E-commerce Growth
Significant shift towards online retail platforms for women's clothing, leading to higher cross-border trade and direct-to-consumer models.
2020-2023
Fast Fashion Dominance
Continued dominance of fast fashion brands driving high trade volumes from low-cost production countries, though facing backlash due to environmental and labor concerns.
2018-2023
The European Union introduced a strategy to promote sustainability in the textile sector, imposing stricter regulations on imports of women's apparel regarding environmental impact and labor conditions.
March 2022
Exporters to the EU market must adapt to new compliance requirements, potentially increasing production costs but also opening opportunities for sustainable brands.
Ongoing trade disputes have led to additional tariffs on Chinese women's apparel exports to the US, prompting diversification of supply chains to countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh.
January 2023
Shift in trade patterns, with reduced reliance on Chinese exports and growth in other Southeast Asian markets.
Bangladesh reported a 20% increase in women's apparel exports, driven by competitive pricing and improved compliance with international labor standards.
June 2023
Strengthened position as a key supplier, potentially challenging China's dominance in the long term.