HS Code:
Woven fabrics of carded vicuña hair, containing 85 percent or more by weight of vicuña hair and of a weight not exceeding 300 g/m² (HS Code 5111.11.70), represent a niche and luxury segment of the textile industry. Vicuña hair is derived from the vicuña, a camelid native to South America, primarily found in Peru, Bolivia, and other Andean countries. Known for its exceptional softness, warmth, and rarity, vicuña wool is one of the most expensive fibers in the world. The fabrics under this HS code are used predominantly in high-end fashion and luxury apparel, catering to a limited but affluent market. Due to the protected status of the vicuña and strict regulations on harvesting its wool, the trade volume for this product is relatively low compared to other textile categories, with stringent controls to ensure sustainability and ethical sourcing.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $5 million USD
Data from 2022
Source
UN Comtrade Database and ITC Trade Map
$2.8 million USD
56% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$1.2 million USD
24% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$0.5 million USD
10% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$0.3 million USD
6% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$0.2 million USD
4% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
9.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic textile industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements or preferential trade schemes like GSP for Andean countries)
Growing demand for sustainable luxury goods
Increased interest in ethically sourced vicuña fabrics has boosted trade, particularly in European and North American markets, with a focus on transparency in supply chains.
2021-2023
Technological advancements in textile processing
Improved carding and weaving techniques have enhanced fabric quality, allowing for broader applications in luxury fashion while maintaining low fabric weight.
2020-2022
Rising raw material costs
Limited supply and strict harvesting regulations have driven up the price of vicuña hair, impacting the affordability and market expansion of these fabrics.
2019-2023
In an effort to protect vicuña populations and ensure sustainable harvesting, Peru introduced stricter export licensing requirements for vicuña-derived products, including woven fabrics.
March 2023
This has led to a temporary reduction in export volumes but is expected to enhance long-term sustainability and market trust in Peruvian vicuña products.
The European Union and Peru updated their trade agreement to include provisions for duty-free imports of vicuña fabrics under specific sustainability certifications.
July 2022
This has facilitated increased exports to key European markets like Italy and France, strengthening Peru’s position as the leading supplier.
Major luxury fashion houses in Italy and France announced partnerships with Andean producers to ensure ethical sourcing of vicuña wool, aligning with consumer demand for sustainable fashion.
October 2021
This has boosted demand for certified vicuña fabrics, particularly in high-end markets, and encouraged investment in Andean communities.