HS Code:
This category covers women's footwear with outer soles of rubber or plastics, not exceeding 14 mm in thickness, and uppers made of plastics. Specifically designed for cheerleading activities, these products are valued over $15 per pair and weigh no more than 0.5 kg per pair, classified under HS subheading 6402.99.31. This niche segment of athletic footwear is tailored for lightweight, flexible performance, often used in competitive and recreational cheerleading. The market for such products is influenced by trends in sports fashion, youth athletics, and seasonal demand tied to cheerleading events.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $120 million USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database, supplemented by industry reports
$75 million USD
62.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$20 million USD
16.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$10 million USD
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$8 million USD
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$5 million USD
4.2% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
12.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
25% (imposed by certain countries on non-preferential trade partners)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as USMCA or EU-Vietnam FTA)
Rising demand for sustainable materials
Manufacturers are shifting towards recycled plastics and eco-friendly production processes to meet consumer and regulatory demands, increasing production costs but also market appeal.
2021-2023
Growth in youth sports participation
Increased participation in cheerleading globally, especially in North America and Europe, drives demand for specialized footwear, boosting trade volumes.
2020-2022
Shift in production from China to Vietnam
Due to trade tensions and rising labor costs in China, production is diversifying to Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries, reshaping supply chains.
2019-2023
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced temporary exclusions on certain footwear categories from China under Section 301 tariffs, including cheerleading footwear, to mitigate costs for domestic consumers.
March 2023
Expected to increase imports from China in the short term, benefiting US retailers and consumers with lower prices.
The European Union introduced stricter regulations on plastic usage in footwear, mandating higher recycled content and transparency in supply chains for products under HS 6402.99.31.
July 2023
Manufacturers face higher compliance costs, potentially reducing profit margins but aligning with consumer preferences for sustainable products.
Vietnam signed additional free trade agreements, including with the UK and expanded terms under the CPTPP, reducing tariffs on footwear exports, including cheerleading shoes.
January 2023
Strengthens Vietnam's position as a key exporter, likely increasing its market share over China in Western markets.