HS Code:
Wool apparel, as provided for in note 11(b)(I)(C) of the Harmonized System (HS) Code, typically falls under HS Code 6104 or 6110 (for knitted or crocheted wool garments) and 6204 or 6211 (for non-knitted wool apparel). This category includes a wide range of clothing items such as sweaters, cardigans, suits, dresses, and overcoats made primarily of wool or fine animal hair. Wool apparel is valued for its warmth, durability, and natural properties, making it a premium product in the global textile and apparel market. Trade in this category is influenced by factors such as seasonal demand, fashion trends, and sustainability concerns.
Total Trade Volume
USD 12.5 billion
Data from 2022
Source
International Trade Centre (ITC) Trade Map, UN Comtrade Database
USD 3.2 billion
25.6% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 2.8 billion
22.4% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 1.5 billion
12.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 1.2 billion
9.6% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 0.8 billion
6.4% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
12.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
38% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement)
Rising demand for sustainable and ethical wool apparel
Increased market share for brands emphasizing cruelty-free and eco-friendly practices, driving up prices for certified wool products.
2021-2023
Shift towards casual and athleisure wool blends
Growing preference for versatile wool apparel has led to innovations in lightweight and stretchable wool fabrics, expanding market segments.
2020-2022
Digitalization of supply chains
Adoption of e-commerce and blockchain for traceability has improved transparency, benefiting both exporters and consumers.
2019-2023
The European Union's Green Deal has introduced stricter sustainability regulations for textile imports, including wool apparel, requiring compliance with environmental standards.
March 2023
Exporters to the EU market face higher compliance costs, but it also opens opportunities for sustainable producers to gain market share.
Recent negotiations between the US and China have reduced tariffs on certain wool apparel categories as part of broader trade agreements.
January 2023
Lower tariffs have boosted Chinese wool apparel exports to the US, increasing competition for domestic producers.
The International Wool Textile Organisation expanded its Woolmark certification program to include more small-scale producers in developing countries.
September 2022
Enhanced credibility and market access for certified producers, particularly in Asia and Africa, driving export growth.