Chittagong Port: T-shirts Trade & Tariff Analysis

Comprehensive analysis of T-shirts (HS code 6109) trade through Chittagong Port, including tariff impacts, sourcing strategies, and cost optimization.

Hedge tariff risk: Trade tariff prediction markets on Ballast Markets to protect T-shirts margins against tariff changes.

Trade Overview

| Metric | Value | |--------|-------| | Port | Chittagong Port | | Commodity | T-shirts (HS 6109) | | Annual Volume | $11.42B | | Source Countries | 5 | | Primary Route | Asia to Bangladesh |

Tariff Impact Analysis

Current Tariff Rates (2025)

T-shirts imports through Chittagong Port face varying tariff rates based on country of origin:

| Origin | Tariff Rate | Impact on Landed Cost | |--------|-------------|----------------------| | USMCA (Mexico, Canada) | 0% | No tariff cost | | Most Countries (MFN) | 0-15% | Moderate impact | | China | 25-50% | Significant cost increase |

View Details: HS 6109 tariff rates by country

Landed Cost Breakdown

Example: T-shirts from China via Chittagong Port

• FOB Price: $10,000
• Ocean Freight: $1,200
• Insurance: $100
• Customs Duties (30%): $3,000
• Inland Transport: $800
• Total Landed: $15,100

Tariff Impact: $3,000 (24.8% of total landed cost)

USMCA Savings Opportunity

Same shipment from Mexico:

• FOB Price: $10,500 (5% higher manufacturing cost)
• Ocean Freight: $400 (shorter distance)
• Insurance: $100
• Customs Duties (0%): $0
• Inland Transport: $600
• Total Landed: $11,600

Net Savings: $3,500 (23% lower) despite higher FOB price

Source Country Breakdown

1. CHINA

• Trade Volume: $3.74B
• Primary Commodity: T-shirts
• Tariff Status: View CN-US tariffs

2. VIETNAM

• Trade Volume: $2.89B
• Primary Commodity: T-shirts
• Tariff Status: View VN-US tariffs

3. INDONESIA

• Trade Volume: $668.65M
• Primary Commodity: T-shirts
• Tariff Status: View ID-US tariffs

4. BANGLADESH

• Trade Volume: $3.02B
• Primary Commodity: T-shirts
• Tariff Status: View BD-US tariffs

5. PAKISTAN

• Trade Volume: $1.10B
• Primary Commodity: T-shirts
• Tariff Status: View PK-US tariffs

Port Operations & Transit

Chittagong Port Infrastructure

Advantages for T-shirts:

• Specialized handling facilities
• Proximity to distribution networks
• Competitive drayage rates
• Established trade lanes

Transit Times

Typical ocean transit times to Chittagong Port:

• China: 14-18 days
• Southeast Asia: 18-22 days
• Mexico: 3-7 days (if applicable)
• Canada: 5-10 days (if applicable)

Door-to-door: Add 3-5 days for customs clearance and inland transport

Risk Management Strategies

1. Tariff Hedging

Problem: T-shirts tariffs range from 0% to 50%+ based on origin

Solution: Use tariff prediction markets to hedge:

Example Hedge:

• Exposure: $5M annual T-shirts imports via Chittagong Port
• Current China Tariff: 30% ($1.5M annual duty cost)
• Risk: Tariffs increase to 60%
• Hedge: Buy "HS 6109 China Tariff > 50%" position
  • If tariffs increase: Payout offsets higher costs
  • If tariffs decrease: Premium < savings

2. Port Diversification

Don't rely on a single port:

Multi-Port Strategy:

• 40% through Chittagong Port (primary)
• 30% through West Coast alternatives
• 30% through East Coast ports

Benefits:

• Reduced congestion risk
• Freight rate negotiation leverage
• Geographic demand coverage

3. Sourcing Diversification

Blend countries to optimize tariff exposure:

Blended Sourcing:

• 40% from USMCA (0% tariff)
• 30% from low-tariff countries (0-15%)
• 30% from China (25-50% tariff)

Blended Rate: ~15% vs. 35% all-China

4. Pre-Tariff Stockpiling

When tariff increases announced:

• Order 3-6 months inventory before effective date
• Lock in current lower rates
• Balance working capital vs. tariff savings

Customs & Compliance

Required Documentation

• Commercial Invoice
• Bill of Lading
• Packing List
• Entry Summary (CBP Form 7501)
• Certificate of Origin (for USMCA/FTA claims)

Chittagong Port Customs Processing

• Typical Clearance: 1-3 days
• Exam Rate: ~5% of shipments
• ACE Integration: Yes
• 24-Hour Rule: Advance manifest filing required

Classification Verification

Critical: Ensure T-shirts is correctly classified under HS 6109

Misclassification Risks:

• Incorrect duty assessment
• Penalty fees (up to 2x duties)
• Shipment delays
• Lost FTA benefits

Recommendation: Work with licensed customs broker

Related Resources

• Chittagong Port Port Guide - Infrastructure & operations
• HS Code 6109 Overview - Classification details
• Tariff Hedging Strategies - Risk management
• USMCA Qualification Guide - 0% tariff requirements

Market Trends

China+1 Strategy

Importers are diversifying away from China to mitigate tariff risk:

Alternative Sources:

• Vietnam: Growing T-shirts manufacturing
• Thailand: Established production base
• India: Emerging supplier
• Mexico: Near-shoring for speed & USMCA benefits

Near-Shoring to Mexico

Advantages:

• 0% USMCA tariffs
• 3-7 day transit vs. 14-18 from Asia
• Lower inventory carrying costs
• Responsive to demand changes

Sources

• U.S. Census Bureau International Trade Data (2023)
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
• Chittagong Port authority statistics
• Ballast Markets trade analysis

Risk Disclosure

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or trade advice. Tariff rates are subject to change. Trade volumes are estimates based on government data. Consult licensed customs brokers for compliance guidance. Prediction markets involve risk of loss.

Disclaimer

Ballast Markets provides this content as a free educational resource for the global trade community. Trade data is sourced from U.S. Census Bureau but may contain errors. Always verify tariff rates and compliance requirements with official sources.

Last updated: 2025-11-04