Footwear; gaiters and the like; parts of such articles

HS code 64 covers a diverse range of footwear products, including shoes, boots, sandals, and other types of footwear. This industry plays a crucial role in the global economy, providing essential goods for consumers and supporting a complex supply chain. Footwear manufacturing is a labor-intensive industry that is often concentrated in regions with abundant and cost-effective labor resources, making it an important source of employment and economic activity in many developing countries.

The production of footwear typically involves several key steps. First, the upper parts of the shoes are cut from various materials, such as leather, textiles, or synthetic materials. These upper parts are then assembled and attached to the sole, which is often made from rubber, plastic, or other durable materials. The soles may be further processed, such as by adding treads or other features to improve traction and durability. Finally, the finished shoes are inspected, packaged, and prepared for distribution.

The footwear industry requires a range of inputs, including raw materials such as leather, textiles, and rubber, as well as various chemicals and adhesives used in the manufacturing process. Additionally, the industry relies on specialized machinery and equipment, such as cutting machines, stitching machines, and molding equipment, to produce the final products. The availability and cost of these inputs can have a significant impact on the competitiveness of the industry.

The primary output of the footwear industry is, of course, finished footwear products. These products can be further classified into various categories, such as 6401 Waterproof footwear, 6402 Other footwear with outer soles and uppers of rubber or plastics, 6403 Footwear with outer soles of rubber, plastics, leather or composition leather and uppers of leather, and 6404 Footwear with outer soles of rubber, plastics, leather or composition leather and uppers of textile materials. These footwear products are then consumed by a wide range of industries and individuals, from retail consumers to industrial and commercial users.