HS Code:
Woven fabrics of combed vicuña hair, containing 85% or more by weight of vicuña hair and weighing not more than 200 g/m², fall under HS subheading 5112.11.60. Vicuña hair is a luxury fiber sourced from the vicuña, a South American camelid native to the Andean highlands. This category represents a niche but high-value segment of the textile market due to the rarity and exceptional quality of vicuña wool, often referred to as the 'fiber of the gods.' The fabric is lightweight, incredibly soft, and used primarily in high-end fashion and luxury garments. Trade in this category is limited by the restricted supply of vicuña hair, as the animals can only be shorn every two years under strict conservation regulations.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $5 million USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and International Trade Centre (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
10.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
25% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic textile industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements or preferential trade programs like GSP for Andean countries)
Rising demand for sustainable luxury fibers
Increased interest in ethically sourced vicuña fabrics, boosting trade from Andean countries with conservation programs.
2021-2023
Growth in luxury fashion markets
High-end fashion houses in Europe, particularly Italy, are driving demand for lightweight vicuña fabrics for couture collections.
2020-2022
Stricter conservation policies
Limited supply due to stricter harvesting regulations under CITES, leading to higher prices and constrained trade volumes.
2019-2023
Peru announced an expansion of its national vicuña management program, increasing the number of communities involved in sustainable shearing while maintaining strict population controls.
March 2023
Expected to moderately increase supply of raw vicuña hair, potentially stabilizing prices and boosting export volumes.
The EU renewed its trade agreement with Peru, maintaining duty-free access for vicuña products under specific sustainability certifications.
July 2022
Strengthens Italy's position as a key importer and processor of vicuña fabrics, likely increasing trade flows to Europe.
CITES introduced updated export certification requirements for vicuña products to prevent illegal trade and ensure conservation.
November 2022
May temporarily slow trade due to additional compliance costs and delays, particularly for smaller exporters.